This area of the Melbourne branch serves as the primary touchpoint for members who need to balance speed with information. By placing the automated teller machine in the same visual frame as the digital discovery bar, the design encourages a natural progression from basic transactions to exploring broader financial services. The layout is intentionally open and accessible, ensuring that even the most functional aspects of banking are integrated into the branch's warm and inviting aesthetic.
The configuration of this zone highlights the project's focus on "frictionless" banking. On the left, the ATM is neatly recessed into a custom timber housing that mirrors the branch's architectural joinery. This prevents the machine from looking like an isolated piece of hardware and instead makes it a cohesive part of the interior. Flanking the machine are two large, grey concrete-style planters with leafy Fiddle-leaf figs, which serve to "soften" the technical equipment and improve the air quality of the high-traffic entrance area.
To the right, a high-level "digital bar" crafted from light oak offers a space for members to sit on tall, ergonomic timber stools while they use the provided touchscreens. These tablets are angled for ease of use and are perfectly positioned for quick tasks, such as checking an account balance or learning about new mortgage rates. The bar’s slim profile ensures that it doesn’t obstruct the flow of people entering from the shopping centre, which is visible through the open-plan layout in the background.
A key visual element here is the large lifestyle mural positioned between the two service points. Depicting a family enjoying a meal, this graphic is strategically placed to remind members of the human benefits of the credit union’s services. It is illuminated from below by a hidden LED strip, creating a soft glow that washes over the timber surfaces. The consistent use of the light-oak herringbone flooring across this entire zone helps to unify the space, creating a clean, modern, and highly functional environment that meets the needs of a mobile-first generation.
