Strabag – Thirdway

By taking design cues from Strabag’s roots in the construction industry and opting for a timeless, pared-back aesthetic, Thirdway was able to deliver a project that struck the right balance between corporate and contemporary, while ensuring all of Strabag’s key layout requirements were met.

Remote collaboration

Forced to negotiate the unique challenges presented by the pandemic, introductory meetings and the design development process were all conducted via Zoom during the first lockdown, while building options were surveyed in small socially distanced teams of subcontractors. Yet the pandemic didn’t affect the design too much, with Strabag requiring a fixed number of people to accommodate within the layout, as well as a set deadline to get into the space.

Industrial evolution

Aiming to reflect Strabag’s core operations, Thirdway looked to the construction industry for design inspiration, which plays out across a space characterised by carefully contrasting materials including Corian, mixed metals and woods. With the building featuring 360-degree views from windows that wrap around the space, we also planned to take the adjacent buildings into account, ensuring the design of the space complemented these views.

Internally, the client wanted to keep colours muted, with the final design featuring a variety of whites, greys and natural tones through the presence of woods, as well as black accents to complement the building’s exterior. However, pops of colour were added through the fabrics used in the breakout furniture with Tribe using Menu, Brunner, Arper and other high-end suppliers. Strabag owning a large art collection in Vienna, the design was tailored to incorporate a range of key, statement pieces across the space.

In the reception, a wood waffle feature wall provides impact upon arrival and was inspired by the metal cladding of an adjacent building. Elsewhere, mixed materials have been used throughout the space to generate interest and elevate the design. Wooden ceiling elements add warmth above the breakout spaces and a tiled floor finish differentiates the reception from the wood chevrons found elsewhere, both sophisticated details a reflection of Strabag’s culture and outlook.

In terms of layout, the senior team’s offices have been positioned with some of the best views of the neighbouring church, while consideration was also given to locating particular teams to ensure easy collaboration. Offices have been designed with high-quality materials, so they hit the required acoustic rating, and strategically placed within the layout to create small nooks that break up the open-plan desking. Each team has an element of privacy.

room for manoeuvre

Taking the pandemic into consideration, extra care has been given to adhere to government guidelines with the creation of circulation routes and clear walkways throughout the space, allowing for a one-way system to be adopted when necessary. And although Strabag’s requirements meant there were plenty of elements to include within the floor layout, we were still able to utilise the space efficiently and provide generous 1,800 x 800 desks for almost all workspaces, which were provided by Tribe.

The end result is a light, modern space with a subtle sense of corporate elegance. The high-quality finishes and impactful artwork bring lots of character, while its Covid compliance will help ensure its value extends long into the future.