PROJECT INFO

Location: Maidenhead, United Kingdom
Completion Date: 2021
Project Type: Commercial
Scope of Work: Design & Build


KENSINGTON MORTGAGES

This commercial project required a full design-and-build approach, including bespoke furniture solutions tailored to the client’s vibrant brand identity. Historically, the client’s colour palette featured bold fluorescent hues—pink, green, blue, yellow, and purple. An initial strategy to mute these colours was unanimously rejected, leading to a creative shift that fully embraced their energy.

The design drew inspiration from Pop Art and Henri Matisse’s expressive compositions to balance vibrancy and functionality. Through the thoughtful application of colour blocking, dynamic patterns, and curated artwork, the space exudes excitement and creativity without overwhelming the work environment. The result is a dynamic yet cohesive interior that energizes employees while supporting productivity and day-to-day operations.

Design Concept

Thoughtfully planned zoning ensures a harmonious mix of meeting rooms, auxiliary spaces, individual workstations, and collaborative areas, fostering focused work and team interaction. Custom furniture and strategic spatial planning create a fluid, engaging environment where creativity thrives while maintaining functionality for day-to-day operations. The design also carefully considers the varying noise levels across departments, from quiet HR and finance activities to the louder environments of sales and call centre help desks. Acoustic treatments and spatial divisions were incorporated to minimize disruption, ensuring each area could function effectively without compromising the atmosphere.

Challenges & Solutions

The project faced several challenges, including the bold colour palette, accommodating a wide range of noise levels from quiet back-of-house activities to louder sales and call centre operations, and adapting the design to meet recommended COVID-19 safety practices. This included implementing a one-way flow, keeping every second desk empty, improving ventilation, ensuring all surfaces were self-cleaning or easily wipeable, providing lockers to support clean desk policies, and installing sanitizing stations throughout the space. Additionally, the project had to remain within budget while addressing these complexities. The solution involved strategic zoning, integrating acoustic treatments, and selecting durable materials that met safety requirements without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality, ensuring a vibrant yet safe and efficient workspace.

Final Outcome

The project successfully brought the bold, dynamic workspace to life, creating an environment that embraced creativity and functionality. After overcoming design challenges and ensuring the space met COVID-19 safety requirements, the office opened its doors to employees on a special date: “May the 4th be with you.” This memorable opening day was a nod to the key decision-makers, all passionate Star Wars fans, adding a personal and fun touch to the project’s completion.

Key Features

  • Bold Colour Palette—Vibrant fluorescent colours inspired by the client’s brand are embraced through a blend of Pop Art and Matisse influences.
  • Dynamic Zoning—Thoughtful division of meeting rooms, workstations, auxiliary spaces, and collaborative areas to foster focused work and team interaction.
  • Acoustic Solutions – Tailored to balance varying noise levels from quiet back-of-house activities to the louder sales and call centre environments.
  • COVID-19 Safety Adaptations – One-way flow, socially distanced desks, enhanced ventilation, self-cleaning surfaces, wipeable materials, sanitizing stations, and lockers for clean desk policies.
  • Custom Furniture and Spatial Planning – Bespoke furniture and flexible layout to support productivity while maintaining a creative atmosphere.
  • Star Wars-inspired Opening—The office doors opened on “May the 4th be with you,” a special nod to the key decision-makers in Star Wars fandom.
  • Budget-Conscious Design: Strategic material and spatial choices ensured the project stayed within budget while meeting functional and aesthetic goals.