project
Catholic Care Head Quarters
| Client | Catholic Care NT |
| Location | Darwin, NT |
| Completion Year | 2024 |
| Sector | Interior Design |
| Commercial |
| Project Manager |
Henry Power
Director, Senior Architect
Catholic Care NT engaged Bennett Architecture to convert a first-floor commercial space into a modern head office while retaining ground-floor tenancies. The design features private offices, open workstations, meeting rooms, and breakout areas to support collaboration and wellbeing. Inspired by the “colours of country,” the palette reflects local landscapes, complemented by Indigenous artwork by Homere Wosomo. Sustainable materials and thoughtful spatial planning create a professional, culturally connected, and holistic workplace.
Key objectives
Create a modern, minimalist workspace that reflects professionalism and cultural identity.
Incorporate Indigenous connection to country through colour palette and artwork integration.
Provide functional spaces including private offices, open workstations, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.
Enhance staff wellbeing and collaboration with informal gathering zones and amenities.
Ensure sustainability and durability through careful material selection and efficient planning.
Project Story
Catholic Care NT engaged Bennett Architecture to transform the first floor of a centrally located Darwin commercial building into their new head office, while maintaining existing ground-floor tenancies. The brief called for a modern, minimalist workspace that reflects the organisation’s strong connection to country and provides an exhibition space for its extensive collection of Indigenous artworks.
The design delivers a functional and culturally sensitive environment through a linear floor arrangement that optimises circulation and departmental grouping. The layout incorporates private offices, open-plan workstations, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces to support collaboration, privacy, and staff wellbeing. Informal gathering areas and amenities encourage social interaction and foster a positive workplace culture.
Materiality and colour palette were inspired by the surrounding landscape, drawing on the ochre tones of local Porcellanite rock and the green hues of gum tree foliage. This connection to country is further reinforced through a bespoke feature: perforated timber wall panels showcasing a pattern designed by local Indigenous artist Homere Wosomo (Lily). This element celebrates cultural identity and creates a striking backdrop for Catholic Care NT’s services.
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout, with careful selection of finishes and fixtures to meet environmental requirements. The combination of exposed and suspended ceilings subtly defines zones, enhancing spatial hierarchy while maintaining openness. The result is a contemporary, holistic workplace that balances professionalism with cultural expression and wellbeing.
