The Australian Ballet

The Australian Ballet’s Enchanted Transformation: A Seamless Blend of Classic Elegance & Modern Innovation

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant Arts Precinct, The Australian Ballet – an emblem of Australia’s artistic spirit since 1962 – is a testament to the country’s undying love for art and performance. What can match the grace of a ballerina dancing in perfect rhythm, the allure of the stage lights, or the resonating notes of Orchestra Victoria? Hassell, a leading international design practice, completed the daunting task of redesigning and expanding The Australian Ballet’s residence, weaving a blend of luxury, tradition, and modernity.

To describe Hassell merely as a design firm would be an understatement. With studios spanning continents, their ethos is rooted in a holistic, people-first approach. Their mission? To craft places that resonate, places people adore. The Australian Ballet, with its rich legacy and Australia’s national ballet company, found a kindred spirit in Hassell to translate its storied past and vibrant present into architectural poetry.

Covering a sprawling 4,000 sqm across two levels, Hassell reimagined this ballet-owned building into a space that not only houses the magic of Ballet but also encapsulates its spirit. Catering to a massive ensemble of 110 staff and 79 dancers, the space was conceived to be a crescendo of artistry – from a reception to an expansive music library, from a cutting-edge music practice room to a double-sized studio mirroring the grandeur of the State Theatre. The roof extension, ensuring maximum dance lifts, is a testament to Hassell’s meticulous attention to detail.

Every corner speaks of the Ballet’s legacy – the custom terrazzo flooring developed with Fibonacci Stone infuses the subtle elegance of the ballet shoe. The transparent and semi-transparent materials offer tantalising glimpses into the world of dancers, striking a delicate balance between revealing their enigmatic presence and preserving their sacred privacy.

In the heart of this grand design narrative lies LEN’s Softscape Lounge. The collection exemplifies the best of modular furniture. This collection offers a luxurious and functional design that symbolises the future of adaptable solutions. As part of the broader Softscape series, these lounges bring an air of collaborative elegance. They stand as oases of calm amidst the bustling dynamism, allowing the dancers to converge, communicate, and create. The Softscape lounges, in blue and pastel colours, are strategically placed in the lobby area of the space, inviting anyone who walks by to experience its beauty and comfort.

Softscape’s modular furniture offers unparalleled flexibility. Mobile, reconfigurable, and echoing the vibes of the modern workspace, Softscape represents the need for interior spaces to evolve, prioritising individual comfort and team synergy.

Hassell’s $13 million refurbishment was a bold statement of intent. Drawing inspiration from the picturesque Australian landscape and the elegance of the ballet shoe, the colour palette is a dance of light and shade. The minimalist backdrop occasionally awakens to dramatic punches of deep navy blue, embodying the vibrancy and versatility of The Australian Ballet’s performances.

Hassell’s touch of luxury is evident in their bespoke detailing, reflecting the couture of The Australian Ballet. The delicate balance between transparency and opacity and the play of frosted glass all offer a compelling view into the world behind the curtains, preserving the allure of the unseen.

The designer modular furniture, handpicked for this space, becomes the linchpin, bringing together the old and the new, the legacy of Ballet and the demands of the modern age. It’s not just a piece of furniture; it’s a statement.

What Hassell has achieved with The Australian Ballet in Melbourne is nothing short of an architectural ballet. The sheer elegance, the conscious decisions to preserve legacy while infusing modernity and the genius inclusion of modular furniture all converge to craft a masterpiece that stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of Ballet and the promise of creativity. In this space, every step echoes history, every wall resonates with tales of past performances, and every corner whispers secrets of the future. It’s not just a building; it’s an experience. And just like the most enchanting ballet performance, it leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

To learn more about Softscape, please speak to one of our team, or contact our distribution partner for Australia at Stylecraft. For all international enquiries, please get in touch with us at info@lenfurniture.com.