Delivering creative workspaces for designers and architects
We work closely with architects to bring their designs to life and in the last few years we’ve delivered some of our most eye-catching interior fit-out projects for architectural practices and studios in and around London.
SOM
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global collective of architects, designers, engineers, and planners working together. It has 14 studios all over the world, each carefully designed and taking inspiration from the cities in which they’re based to create a space that sparks the imagination. The London studio in Broadgate Tower is a perfect example of this and we were delighted to work with the team on the new interior, making sure that all elements we delivered were in line with LEED guidance.
We used a stunning Danzer light oak veneer with lacquered flat matt finish throughout the project – on the curved and flat wall panels, storage units, seating areas and tea points – to create design cohesion across the whole space. Danzer supplies high quality hardwood veneers sourced exclusively from sustainably managed forests all over the world.
In the staff kitchen area, we installed worktops manufactured from Fenix laminate with the exposed birch ply edges polished. We also created a bespoke model display plinth and material library island, L-shaped Town Hall seating and shelving, reception storage and media unit with AV surround.
Hawkins Brown Architects
The aim of this project was to create a new studio space for experimentation, collaboration and wellbeing – a reflection of the changing face of workplace design. As such it was important to allow space for different working styles as well as individual or team work.
We manufactured and installed the cabinetry across the whole three storey project. Grey Valchromat, a wood fibre panel which is coloured throughout and engineered for high physical performance, was specified for various elements of the design including storage units with sliding doors, bespoke drawer units with high level storage as well as desking with bespoke units underneath. And to dampen sound within the office space we installed Autex cube wall panelling which is highly durable and provides excellent acoustic performance – essential for a busy office environment.
A central part of the new studio is the Hut, a unique meeting room which provides a nod to the Hawkins Brown tradition of incorporating small buildings within larger ones. We installed the pre-manufactured cross-laminated timber (CLT) hut-style meeting room along with some of the furniture inside, which was manufactured from recycled materials. The Hut was then cladded using a colourful timber effect design created by an artist.
Graham Williams – Lead Architect, Hawkins Brown: “As architects, it was important that the quality and finish of the joinery was exemplary, and it certainly is. Cre8 were a pleasure to work with, guiding us through the process, offering design solutions and advice on suitable materials, hardware and finishes. On site, they were professional, fast and flexible, always going the extra mile to complete on time and on budget. We would definitely work with Cre8 again and would not hesitate to recommend them to others.”
HTA Design
A practice of creative designers and innovative thinkers, HTA Design’s mission is to make great places to live, create a great place to work, and be the most sustainable practice possible. We were proud to work with the HTA team on the fit-out of its London office in Hackney.
Here we worked with our partner company, Washroom Washroom to deliver bespoke joinery including a reception desk and kitchen area as well as washroom facilities as part of this project for HTA Design. We manufactured and installed bespoke storage units, open shelving, storage room dividers plus wall panelling all in the same natural light wood finish. The staircase we created also features an integrated cosy seating area underneath. In the staff kitchen areas, we installed kitchen worktop and cabinetry in a dark grey matt effect laminate to complement the exposed brick wall.
Completing the design, we installed superloos, which are a self-contained cubicle with WC, vanity unit and hand-drying facilities behind a full height door. The on-trend design features black ironmongery and white terrazzo wall panelling plus back-lit mirror. We also manufactured a towel drop unit in the same light wood material as the rest of the project for the End of Trip facilities – a dedicated area for those who cycle or walk into the office to shower and change before work.
Our aim is to make the journey from initial design concept through to materials specification, manufacture and installation as smooth as possible. Our previous blog detailed just some of the ways we work collaboratively with architectural clients to bring their designs to life, from creating detailed mock-ups to providing materials samples.
If you have a project in mind that you’d like to discuss, get in touch with the team and we can start the process with you.
