SPACEINVADER
All noise , lighting , circulation and toilet provision met BCO standards . An acoustic consultant was appointed who ensured all areas had the appropriate amount of acoustic finishes to control noise comfort . Upholstered seating , full height booth seating and specific acoustic wall treatments all work in tandem . All areas , including common parts , were designed using durable materials and intentionally viewed holistically alongside the base build finishes to give a consistent language ensuring fit-out and building character and identity , whilst the clear floor-to-ceiling layout is in excess of the BCO-recommended 2.8m , due to the slab height of the existing building .
On the second floor , a variety of work settings blend as they wrap around the building core . Project spaces and communal quiet spaces flank the edges with flexible , openable partitions allowing engagement with the open plan area if required . A landscape of moveable furniture and partition options supports wider working practices , maximising natural daylight and views whilst ancillary support functions are practical and well-placed close to the core . Ease of use and connectivity have been designed into all the joinery and loose furniture pieces .
‘ The connection to the outside influenced all the spaces and proximity to the perimeter and natural daylight was a driving factor in the space planning of both floors ’, John Williams explained . ‘ The abstract concept of the river and riverbed was translated into the scheme through a mix of natural colour tones and horizontal layering of materials . The detail is particularly important , because the vast majority of the space is very clean and simple . There are block colours and clean lines throughout , with ‘ hints of sunshine .’ This is introduced by timber accents in the joinery and furniture , whilst the layering creates a depth within the scheme , as well as replicating the layers of strata that make up a riverbed .’
The circulation on the third floor is logical , clear and precise . The underlying principle was to ensure the adaptability and flexibility of spaces . The client lounge adopts this philosophy . From the core , clients and the Muse team enter into an open , relaxed lounge and informal meeting space . This in turn is connected to both the outdoor terrace and the staff kitchen area . Views out to the landscape and river are enhanced with the introduction of a feature ceiling designed to capture the very essence of the Salford weather and surrounding views . Aesthetically , the feature represents the formation of clouds , with fully-controllable LED luminaires enabling the ceiling either to compliment or contrast with the external environment , creating an instant connection to external aspects . Access out onto the terrace was enhanced by specifying a wider , outwardly swinging door with a hold open mechanism to allow these three spaces to flow seamlessly during social events .
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