Intergrating Old with the New
dhk responded to the brief with a loft office design concept, exposing
the services of the building (and showing the honest value of the
company) and also creating a blank canvas for using new
contemporary furniture with older existing pieces – integrating the
new brand with its rich history.
The designers stripped back the standard fittings and finishes
that were a bit too corporate to expose the ducts and services
wherever possible. The only sections of built ceiling are found in
the open office spaces, exposing all services while adding volume
and acting as acoustic baffles. Distinct colour palettes were applied
to each level, used in office flooring and accent fabrics.
Premier’s working philosophy requires very few enclosed offices.
Some semi-private stand-alone desks have been provided but the
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majority of the space is based on open plan desk clusters.
Partitioning, where used, is fully glazed which, along with the open
plan layout, makes the workplace very light and open.
The brand values are visually expressed on feature walls
and the new identity is evident throughout the office.
Several formal boardrooms, various breakout areas and conversation corners, encourage staff interaction and a sense of
community throughout.
Director at dhk’s Johannesburg office, Adele Maritz, said “We
have created lots of intimate spaces, mixing up the furniture and
giving the office a more welcoming feel – less corporate, more
personal. We tried to avoid over-using any one piece. Each area has
its own character and we want that to change and grow with
the company.”
Premier