Yet this ‘campsite’ area allows staff to revitalise, reconnect and
refresh, and has catalysed a creative, happy working environment.
Adjoining the campsite is an unconventional meeting room
that takes the form of an oversized weaver’s nest. The ‘nest’ is
constructed from timber fins and is clad in strips of pine. It takes
centre-stage in reference to John Brown’s fondness for birds.
According to Inhouse designer Jenine Bruce: “The nest was
influenced by the company’s incorporation of birds within their
branding. So, we chose to use this in our design by taking it a step
further and building a nest which creates a ‘safe’ and intimate
meeting spot for employees.”
Daylight from the existing large glazing facade allows natural
light to filter in through the slats of the nest giving the interior a
dreamy ambience. The nest has great presence and can be seen,
via the keyhole design in the reception wall, as one enters the
offices. The nest and lounge were set back against floor-to-ceiling
glass walls that lead out onto a balcony and were positioned in
such a way so as to take full advantage of the impressive views of
Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain.
Flanking these main feature areas on either side lie open-plan
offices for staff, with the central campsite acting as a visual and
physical connector. The staff workstations are partly screened off
by the series of multi-functional wooden shelving that supports
both planting and library space and provides some measure of
privacy.
The level of communication within the company has changed
dramatically due to the open plan layout. This is a considerable
advantage and something the client particularly wanted to
achieve considering that the previous offices occupied two
sep arate premises. John Brown was originally on two floors
in Black River Park and the different departments were very
separated. The new layout encourages greater productivity as it
provides various meeting and breakaway areas that allow staff
to leave their desks and engage in a different environment for a
quick meeting or brainstorm.
John Brown has commented favourably on the marked and
positive effect this has had on staff morale and output. Inhouse
has provided an interior design solution that not only is an
antidote to formulaic corporate office design, but has also
contributed to increased cohesion, creativity and productivity. AD
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africandesignmagazine.com