When Dexus first engaged BVN to design The Annex at 12 Creek Street, we knew that the nearby heritage-listed group of historic fig trees would have to be central to both the design and daily life of building. The building is tailored to meet contemporary requirements for a connected workplace whilst embracing the qualities and identity of the site. The Annex is unique, identifiable, and enabling as a business destination.

Every detail of the building is designed to connect with the adjacent fig trees, including the sense of ‘being under the canopy’, and ‘looking through the foliage’. Visible from each level of The Annex, the trees are ever present through long views down the street, and lovingly imbued in the architectural detailing. Glass ‘fretwork’ offers privacy and mimics the shifting patterns of the leaves.

A new public place has been created under the canopy of the overhead form – extending through to the remade plaza of the existing Blue Tower and the laneway adjacent to the historic building Corbett Chambers. Oriented towards the fig tree grove; this lively space connects and enhances Brisbane's pedestrian network.

A series of terraces, landscapes and public seating, as well as dining and entertainment, promote social activity and outdoor gatherings. Back-lit laser-cut panels glitter over these spaces, evoking the sensation of dappled sunlight beneath the fig trees.

Above the arrival plaza, nine levels of boutique tenancies are linked by an interconnecting stair to create workplace neighbourhoods. The facade of the lower six levels, is designed to allow for outdoor occupation. Awning windows give tenants the option for fresh air and a connection with the outdoors. It is a breathing facade that provides a genuine connection with the outdoors, promoting wellbeing.

The upper three levels are designed as a mantle for a cascading garden. The uppermost occupied level and roof volume provides cover to the Sky Terrace, an elegant beacon, identifying the building from near and far. As a rooftop seen ‘in the round’, it is made from perforated metal using the trademark fig canopy motif.