A unique five-storey office development by Trescon in the Sydney suburb of Double Bay is the new headquarters of real estate agency Ray White, establishing a new benchmark for real estate office design and client service integration.
The modern building represents a strong synergy between Ray White’s brand and the iconic, architecturally designed space that houses all five of Ray White’s business units under one roof for the first time.
The strategic consolidation positions the office to better serve clients across residential sales, property management, finance, commercial property, and project development services.
With an integrated office fit-out and 1,050 square metres of premium commercial office space, the building – dubbed Double Bay Sail due to its sail-like design – melds a state-of-the-art technological integration with a distinct architectural statement.
Trescon Director Michael Kounellis explained that Ray White Double Bay set out to create a flagship office with a distinct identity, built around a curved architectural form that would stand out on New South Head Road.
He added that Trescon’s job was to take that vision and turn it into something that could be built accurately and safely.
Trescon said: “Double Bay Sail pushed well beyond the logic of a standard commercial build – almost every part of the structure is curved or tapered, so our team spent a significant amount of time resolving details that simply don’t exist in a typical square building.
“From the enormous convex brick sails on the façade to the interior junctions, nothing was off the shelf – much of the project was about translating complex geometry into practical construction.
“The bespoke framing required to carry the curves, the structural coordination across each level, and the tight tolerances of the form demanded hands-on craftsmanship and constant collaboration with the architects and project partners.
“The outcome is a workplace that reflects the effort behind the scenes as much as the finished result, giving Ray White Double Bay a refined, high-end environment supported by one of the most detailed builds we’ve delivered.”
Elliott Placks, Managing Director at Ray White Double Bay, said having all five businesses under one roof in the new office created incredible synergies.
He said: “Residential sales often lead into property management, those clients may need finance, and many also have commercial property needs.
“Similarly, when selling our project developments, the buyers often need to sell their existing residential properties – bringing all these services together in one location will deliver a far more seamless and elevated experience for our clients.”
Stafford Architecture – the design studio behind Double Bay Sail – took cues from the waterfront location and the sails of yachts moored in the bay, designing the sweeping brickwork to frame views from inside while also providing occupants with privacy and shading from the sun.
Interiors were designed by Richard Stanazich to reflect the premium nature of the properties Ray White represents and the calibre of its clientele in the eastern suburbs.
Placks said: “Combining Bruce (Stafford) for the exterior and Richard for the interior felt like a perfect match – I’m excited to share the final result from this collaboration. The balance between design integrity and functionality was a key consideration.
“Beyond the tech, the architecture, fixtures, and fittings have all been selected to reflect the premium nature of the properties we represent and the calibre of our clientele in the eastern suburbs.
“The focus has been on creating a space that works well for staff and office operations, with offices around the perimeter of each level allowing senior agents privacy while keeping their teams in close proximity for better collaboration.”
The top floor of the building was designed as a versatile multi-use space, including for off-plan selling, meetings, auctions, and social events.
The space will also be used for training and wellness activities such as pilates and meditation. Notably, the room enables Ray White to offer a completely fresh approach to the traditional auction experience.
Placks said: “Auctions will be held every Thursday in a completely reimagined environment, offering a fresh and dynamic approach to selling.
“I’m really looking forward to unveiling the space and seeing how it enhances the auction experience.”
