Modern workplaces are expected to do more than provide desks and meeting rooms. They are dynamic hubs of culture, collaboration and brand identity that adapt to the changing flow of the workday. Asahi Beverages’ new 9,000sqm headquarters in Melbourne extends across six floors. While the lower levels provide highly functional spaces for day-to-day operations, the uppermost floor became something entirely different, transforming into a flexible hospitality environment designed for entertaining, collaboration, product launches and brand experiences.

It is on Level 20, that the project truly comes to life. The result of a carefully thought out collaboration between Hot Black Interior Design, Aston Consulting and MLP Light.

A workplace of many identities.
Designing a headquarters for Asahi presented a unique challenge. Rather than representing a single brand, the workplace needed to accommodate a diverse portfolio of recognised beverage brands, each with its own personality and identity.

The design response deliberately moved away from overt branding. Hot Black sought to create an environment where atmosphere, materiality and lighting could communicate identity without relying on logos or permanent graphics. Across the lower floors, lighting supports focused work, collaboration and wellbeing, creating environments that encourage productivity throughout the working day.

The experience changes dramatically on Level 20 – transitioning into a hospitality-inspired destination, combining a café, bar, breakout spaces and flexible event areas capable of hosting internal gatherings, product launches and client presentations. Rather than serving a single purpose, the space was designed to transform, requiring an adaptable lighting solution.

The lighting needed to “work as hard as the space itself.”
– Hot Black

Projects of this scale rarely follow a linear path. As the design evolved, lighting specifications continued to develop alongside the fit out, with several key decisions occurring well into the construction phase. This required constant communication between the interior designers, lighting consultants and MLP, ensuring technical challenges could be resolved without compromising the original vision. One of the more significant considerations involved integrating multiple lighting control protocols across the project. While much of the building operated on DALI control, the dynamic RGBW lighting required DMX, demanding careful coordination to ensure both systems functioned seamlessly together.

Architectural integration also presented a challenge. Rather than adapting the design to suit available luminaires, bespoke solutions were developed to fit precisely within the ceiling details envisioned by the designers. Dimensional constraints, mounting requirements and service coordination all required close collaboration between the three parties before specifications could be finalised. Despite the ongoing design revisions and a compressed construction programme, this communication enabled rapid decision-making while preserving the integrity of the design.

During commissioning, flooded with natural daylight from the expansive glazing, Level 20 initially appeared darker than expected, despite measured light levels exceeding the required illuminance. This served as a reminder that lighting design extends beyond technical compliance. Through testing on site, adjustments were made to the RGBW programming , improving the perceived brightness of the space while maintaining the carefully balanced atmosphere.