eastern promise

Aiming to put a fresh spin on office space within the neighbourhood, our team were given the brief of translating the Shoreditch’s energy and counter-cultural spirit into a project with a true sense of place. Given the diversity of the likely end tenants –spanning tech, finance and the creative industries –adopting a versatile, design-led approach was also going to be essential to deliver a project with widespread appeal.

The result was an easily adaptable plug-and-play workspace with real character and a ready-to-use fit-out that epitomises Cat A+ design at its best.

fine lines and warm tones

Given that the Max Barney Estate –a family-run property business with a half-century of experience –is a design-led firm, this was a project with plenty of incentive for the Thirdway team to think outside the box and get creative with aspects of the space.

Our response? A concept inspired by the building itself. Reflecting the form of its facade and window elevations, a series of linear lines play a defining role throughout the design, with visitors first immersed in this aesthetic at reception. Here, a striking graphic linear 3D feature wall finished in a black wood effect provides a sneak peek of the working area as well as letting natural light into the reception. A bold disruption into what would otherwise be a simple boxy floor plan, it provides plenty of wow factor while creating a dynamic reception space

Elsewhere, the concept of fine lines is echoed across a range of design elements throughout the space, from the Crittal meeting room partitions and fluted structures that demarcate meeting rooms to vinyl flooring featuring a characterful herringbone effect. All of which has been masterfully offset with warm pops of colour and a grain-effect running throughout as well as subtle hints of brass and a herringbone-effect carpet that sets off and complements the vinyl flooring. Further charisma comes via the stylish social areas, with two-tone tea points that channel Shoreditch’s neighbouring cultural heavyweights –think Shoreditch House and Boxpark Shoreditch –in their choice of finishes and details.

A space out of the ordinary

Pushing the boundaries of Cat A+ design, this project revealed the true value and opportunity of this game-changing model that offers far more than a straightforward Cat A commission. By presenting the potential of flexible floor designs that can be added, subtracted and duplicated according to tenants’ needs, we were able to demonstrate how the floor would enable incoming tenants to put their own spin on things while also remaining a stand-out showroom in its own right

office fit-out by thirdway. back-to-work

Expand and deliver

The initial plans were well received, with the client impressed by a concept that focused on breaking up the space, adding in unique angles and replicating these on floor transitions. Strategically placing the meeting room in the middle of the space–in addition to the unique reception area –enabled this Cat A+ space to stand out from the crowd, feel more dynamic and flow better. Tribe ensured that the furniture complements the bold fit-out by using neutral tones, sophisticated lines and specific RAL colours chosen on furniture metalwork inspired by the fit-out finishes.

This project’s success meant that it was quickly let out and Thirdway was then appointed to design and build another two other floors within the same building