When it comes to creating office spaces that work effectively for everyone, it’s vital to understand what is important to end users. Finding the balance between something that looks appealing while still meeting the day-to-day requirements of office workers is key to a project’s success as Phillip Gay, director at bespoke joinery company, Cre8 Joinery Solutions, explains.
Office spaces that work smart
While each office fit-out project that Cre8 Joinery Solutions has undertaken has been completely unique to the building and company or companies housed there, there are several core elements which consistently feature within an office design brief.
Including facilities which cater to the wellbeing of office workers and ensuring staff have a variety of different spaces to work and hold meetings in are often high on the list of priorities but incorporating practical storage solutions is nearly always a key demand from office clients .
Clever use of space and effective storage shouldn’t be overlooked in favour of funky meeting rooms and staff chill-out zones. However that doesn’t mean that providing plenty of practical storage will detract from the overall design or take up so much floorspace it leaves the whole office feeling cluttered. Practical storage should add to the overall space, whether it is designed to either blend in to provide a discreet solution or stand out to make a statement.
Customisable storage systems
The innovative Qubewall® system is just one product that has been developed by Cre8, specifically to meet the demand for stylish yet practical storage.
It can be fully customised to meet the exact requirements of any given project; any size or shape and configuration. The internal storage space can also be divided up in a number of different ways, whether that’s with shelving, cupboards, pull-out filing systems or a mixture and can be locked for security or left open to suit.
As well as maximising storage space while taking up minimal floorspace, Qubewall can be used to create a statement. Manufactured using a range of different finishes including matt, up to 70 per cent sheen, or even glass, Qubewall is available in any RAL or Pantone colour and can also include bespoke digitally screen-printed images such as logos or branding.
Qubewall systems can also offer a dual use by partitioning different areas within an office workspace to create distinct zones – making it a smart storage solution that works hard.
Creative, space-saving storage solutions
Practical storage is an integral part of any office fit-out so ensuing it tones in with the colours and materials used in interior scheme is an ideal way to centre storage within the design so it doesn’t look like an afterthought.
The bespoke high-level metal storage units, designed and installed by Cre8 on a recent project for a London-based retail design agency is an excellent example of this in action. The industrial-inspired wall-mounted metal storage cubes were manufactured from the same distinctive red painted metal framework as the new desks for the project.
When space is at a premium, there are plenty of creative ways to include additional storage to maximise the available space and deliver the perfect balance of form and function. Utilising the space between the vertical slats of the bespoke wall panelling installed by Cre8 in the newly refurbished reception area provided the ideal place to display brochures and magazines for visitors. While on another project, Cre8 installed bespoke bench-style seating for a meeting room and these were fitted with hinged doors to create additional storage space.
Ultimately storage should be practical but that shouldn’t mean having to compromise on aesthetics and by providing clever storage solutions, offices can enjoy the best of both worlds.
For more information please visit http://www.cre8joinery.co.uk/, call 0800 999 8888 or email info@cre8joinery.co.uk.
