EXPLORING THE SPACE IN BETWEEN & THE SPACE BEYOND
Tasked by ESR to reimagine the arrival experience at HWT Tower, Hot Black transformed an underutilised lobby into a refined, activated third space that brings people together.
Drawing on the dialogue between the building’s architectural legacy and its cultural surrounds, the design translates spatial forms to reflect connection, convergence and context, turning a once-passive area into an engaging destination.
Materiality and detailing were carefully curated to balance elegance and engagement – inviting touch, sparking curiosity and adding richness to the everyday. Designed for adaptability, the space transitions seamlessly from daytime formality to evening events, echoing the energy of the nearby arts precinct while maintaining a distinctly corporate function.
The Lounge is conceived as more than a waiting area; it is an extension of tenant amenity. Bookable meeting rooms, a boardroom, focus pods and flexible zones support collaboration or retreat, while a fully serviced events kitchen and a mix of casual seating enable both intimate catch-ups and curated activations.
Enduring, welcoming and thoughtfully resolved, the result is a timeless setting that elevates the lobby from a pass-through space to a purposeful, connected hub – bringing a new level of sophistication and vibrancy to HWT Tower.
Hot Black acknowledges the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, on whose land we meet, share and work.