Chayton Capital, a private equity company with its central office in London, relocated in March of last year. Chayton took the opportunity to design a creative, and somewhat unorthodox, space for a financial institution. Andrea Berry told EBX that staff have developed a real fondness for the space and they now enjoy an open, hospitable working environment. Here, she describes the practical elements of producing a winning office space.
"Within weeks of moving, our CEO decided that he wanted to work in the open office as opposed to the partner office we built for him, and we haven’t been able to move him since," said Berry.
"Our design concept was simply to create a healthy, vibrant office that embodied Chayton Capital's vision. We looked to capitalize on the natural light generated through the skylights within the lofty space situated on the top floor of 71 Kingsway.
"We looked to create a strong link incorporating the corporate colour on the floor then up the back painted glass wall behind reception and back down again to the rich red band of carpet at floor level; the aim being to lead you from one end of the office to the other inviting you to use and explore the space, taking you from open plan through to reception, then past the tea-point and library and up the newly revealed existing staircase; which up until then, had been disguised in an uninviting plasterboard shell.
"On stripping away the external shell, it was like finding a lost item of sentimental value, revealing an endearing iron staircase, almost thrown away like an unwanted toy in an attic.
"Now a focal point, we looked to create bookshelves around the staircase mimicking its form to create a place of relaxation, ideally located to the tea-point where refreshments are easily available. On doing so, more natural light entered from the 7th floor helping to emphasize the link between the 6th floor and the turret/ think tank room on the 7th floor which is also part of Chayton's Capital newly acquired space.
"The workstations are deep and spacious allowing each individual to feel at home in their own personal environment. Again the white finish on the desks helps reflect the natural light within the space.
"The intent was to make the space feel light and airy, like a brilliant white overcast sky trying to break through the glazed fabric.
"The main skylight to the open plan area, which has been designed for possible expansion in mind is currently an informal brainstorming area, with white powder coated rods around the seating area creating an almost see
through barrier.
"We have looked to minimize floor to ceiling height walls where possible, for example, the coat cupboards within reception act as a break between the open plan and reception yet let natural light and the visitor venture around.
"The walnut finishes to the dividable meeting rooms provide a more formal setting to this more focused environment, the flexibility of the space is kept continuous when the two separate
rooms become one through the linking of the two meeting tables, the chairs enhance the status of this setting to provide comfort and focus."
For more information:www.chaytoncapital.com
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