ONE SMARTS PLACE – Thirdway

Split personality

This project carries its own nostalgia for us having been one of the first pitches we held over Zoom back in March 2020, just as we were thrown into a new way of working. The only challenge that this project entailed was handling everything throughout the pandemic – ensuring that our management and delivery stayed on top form at all times despite our physical distance from each other and the client.

Our project team safely visited site when they needed to, and all meetings with the client were held digitally. We had to think fast and make responsive design changes as we considered the future tenant’s need to accommodate a more hybrid way of working. We translated this into design by re-considering desk space and adding in a number of high tables to suit collaborative and flexible working. Meeting room numbers were reduced whilst more call rooms were factored into the floorplate to meet the rise in demand for conference calls.

Functionality aside, let’s dive into the aesthetics. As you enter the warm, welcoming office space the pastel colour palette and abundance of greenery instantly puts you at ease.

The front-of-house holds a handy dividing wall that can open up the space for an all-hands company meeting or collaborative area. Fluted industrial-style meeting room partitions and natural timber flooring throughout the space pull the whole scheme together and compliment the stylish environment.

Tucked in between the desking and breakout area is the tea point. Filled with intricate details such as the reeded glass cabinets, diamond-shaped ceramic tiles and lively monochrome zig-zag tiled floor, it’s fair to say this space carries its own personality.

Next to it, a booth area maximises the breakout space having been built into the wall. Timber slats thread through the seating and adjoin the floor to ceiling. The pops of pastel pinks and blues in the furnishings as chosen by Tribe further bring a sense of calm to the office.

Mood-boosting details

The wellbeing of those who would come to occupy this space was much in mind when the designers worked the floorplate around the large windows, letting in plenty of natural light. Organic colours and textures have been introduced within the soft seating and furnishings whilst the design left plenty of room for planting opportunities including the “walls on wheels” which can be moved to section off working and downtime areas. Our furniture company Tribe beautifully dressed, furnished and finished the space, tying the whole scheme together.

This elegant workspace at One Smart’s Place certainly now looks the part and is ready to invite new tenants as companies begin to return to the office.