Joburg-based design firm Studio 19's recent overhaul of ad agency Open Co's offices is a masterclass in contemporary urban design. Combining the best motifs of a gentlemen's club and grittier industrial elements, the space feels current without trying too hard.
With a brief for a space that was edgy, moody and warm, Studio 19 looked at the existing features - a great collection of artwork and accessories and a beautiful view - and sought to accentuate them, cued by an open-minded, design-savvy client.
As far as the layout, Open Co needed the basics - one being a boardroom that would serve as a beautiful space for clients and presentations and that could also open up to the rest of the office.
"We used the largest window wall to max on the view and gorgeous sunsets, and layered hard and soft details, including linen curtains to create a moodier vibe for presentations," says Debbie Votin from Studio 19. In the open-plan office area, the slightly dark effect offers a sense of comfort and security so that people in the co-working sections don't feel overexposed.
Next they needed private offices and breakaway spaces; some with desks and some for lounging. "It's essential to get these smaller zones right when you're working with so much open space," says Studio 19's Mia Widlake of the privacy pods, cosy corners and smaller meeting room they created. "People need a quiet spot for thinking or phoning, but we had to be careful not to create areas that wouldn't be used."
As the client was an advertising agency - team-oriented and creative - the design couldn't be too corporate, but had to feel high-end. The contrast of luxe and edgy details, such as industrial shelving with marble-topped tables, ticks both boxes.
"They wanted luxury but didn't want the stuffy, contrived fanciness that is often associated with luxury," says Votin.
A lot of the warmth and polish of the scheme can be attributed to the colour selection. The discovery of a red-brick wall under the existing plaster prompted the starting point of an earthy palette. This theme was elaborated on with brown paper expandable soft walls by Molo, recycled rubber wall cladding with hints of terracotta, and walls in Plascon Hot Fudge Sundae paint.
"They wanted a moody, intimate space and we had to make sure it didn't get too monotone," says Widlake. Cue accents of black, bright green and upbeat yellow for an uplifting urban effect. Once this base was created, Studio 19 added a jungle of plants in terracotta pots and brought the space to life.
"The carte blanche the client gave us creatively to make decisions on the layout, finishings, fittings and furnishings allowed us to deliver the full vision for the space," says Votin...