ZETR, an Australian electrical brand based in New South Wales, has transformed a former 1960s garage into a hybrid headquarters that functions as a showroom, design workshop, and production facility. The new space blurs the lines between a traditional office and a creative studio. It allows the company’s architectural approach to be experienced directly, rather than just seen in brochures. The interior integrates the brand’s power, lighting, and control systems into the everyday flow of the workspace.
Industrial Roots Meet Modern Design
The building was originally an exhaust workshop. Its industrial character remains a central feature of the new headquarters. Red brick, concrete, and steel are prominent throughout the space. These materials create a tactile backdrop that reflects the brand’s Australian identity. The renovation process focused on reworking the structure without erasing its history.
ZETR was founded by Garth Elliott in 2017. The company has taken a distinct approach to electrical hardware. Their systems are designed to recede into the architecture. This allows materials, forms, and interiors to take precedence over visible fixtures. In the new HQ, these systems are incorporated into workstations, meeting rooms, and breakout areas. They are part of the daily experience rather than just a display.
While a spatial designer helped forecast the evolving needs of the team, the space was largely self-designed by ZETR. Elliott noted that every element was considered through the lens of their products, personal style, and workplace culture. Many pieces were designed internally and realized through close collaboration with long-standing brand partners. Local Australian makers and specialist fabricators also contributed to the final result. The result is a workplace that communicates the brand’s ethos through its architecture, detailing, and atmosphere. It demonstrates how considered design can shape not only what a company makes but how it works. The space feels less like a corporate office and more like a collaborative hub.
Functionality and Sustainable Sourcing
Sustainability was a key consideration during the renovation. ZETR partnered with furniture dealer Living Edge and its RELIVE programme. This collaboration allowed them to procure a vintage Herman Miller desking system. The furniture was thoughtfully reconditioned for a second life, reducing waste and adding character. The decision aligns with the brand’s broader environmental commitments.
Read Also: Dan Pearson closes studio for new chapter
Custom pieces throughout the space highlight the company’s manufacturing capabilities. A charging system is integrated into a bespoke stone tabletop manufactured by Aldini Australia. This piece serves a practical purpose while showcasing material expertise. ZETR also created a self-designed product display console and coffee table. Both items were made using the same metal and stone expertise that supports their main product manufacturing. This reinforces the connection between the brand’s output and its daily operations.
Elliott emphasized that the team is passionate, creative, and enjoys sharing experiences. It was important that the environment embodied their culture and brand in a meaningful way. The goal was to create a space that feels more than just a workplace. It allows the team to be creative outside of their products while still enhancing the brand. The setting encourages innovation, builds bonds, and provides moments for staff to interact throughout the day.
The headquarters now serves as a dynamic testing ground. ZETR can continually test ideas around materials, technology, and the way people occupy the space. It is not a static showcase but a living laboratory. The integration of production and design in one location streamlines the development process. Employees can see how their work impacts the final product in real-time. This proximity to the manufacturing process supports a deeper understanding of the technical challenges involved.
The project stands as a model for how companies can use physical space to reinforce brand values. By blending industrial heritage with modern sustainability practices, ZETR has created a unique environment. The office is a reflection of the product itself: integrated, functional, and aesthetically considered. It shows that workplace design can be as innovative as the technology it houses. The transformation of the 1960s garage demonstrates the company’s commitment to thoughtful design.
