Case Studies by Barkhams.

Oxford Innovation, Workington Innovation Centre

The Brief: 'The Innovation Centre is primarily aimed at digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses. The building’s interior should be flexible, so it can be reconfigured to meet the needs of the customers. There will be both private and informal meeting rooms, conference spaces, and catering facilities for building users and events. Sustainability is key; encouraged to use greener methods of fit-out by utilising both of new and used furniture that complement each other within the space.'

The Lobby: The centre wanted to create an informal space where teams could meet for dining; this was achieved by utilising the new Extrema range from Zap; a sleek powder-coated frame table with Black Moon Laminate, supplied with the complementing Tavo chair range that invokes a welcoming aesthetic by use of vintage tan leather upholstery and matching black leg frames. The differing heights between the poseur and dining tables helped create a dynamic setting that helped the space's functionality and  aesthetic. The Studio Ind-Hi Table was also supplied from our used furniture range, with a re-sprayed leg frame to match the Extrema tables and an industrial design to fit the centre's origin - supplied with power and USB to allow for ad-hoc working within the space.

The Breakout: The breakout area was required to accommodate for differing types of user; ad-hoc working, dining and collaboration. This was achieved by utilising the same Extrema table bases seen in the lobby, but fitted with a Dijon Walnut MFC surface from Hawk Furniture (to create a subtle difference between the two areas). Again supplied at both dining and poseur heights to create dynamics within the space, with a Floor Planter from Hawk to create a soft partition, finished in a matching Dijon Walnut and black metal colourway.

The Office Pods: Barkhams suggested the Framery Q Meeting Maggie Office Pods from our refurbished range, helping to support the centre's working and AV requirements, along with a modern aesthetic that would tie in with the brand identity of the centre. By purchasing the units from our used furniture range, a significant cost saving was achieved whilst increasing the sustainability value of the fit-out. Skandiform My F-318 Work Booths were also supplied from our refurbished range, allowing individual workers to set-up with minimal requirement and providing privacy and acoustic benefit to the user.

The Reception: Oxford Innovation wanted to procure statement reception furniture, rarely seen in other offices across the UK. Carefully chosen from our new Curated Collection, the Moroso Bohemian and Walter Knoll Andoo Reception Chairs work well together to create an eclectic and inviting space upon entry.

The Result: A modern furniture fit-out, supplied sustainably for a brand new innovation centre.

'Our workspace provides a professional, flexible and welcoming environment for businesses at every stage.'

'From fully serviced offices to coworking and meeting space, Workington Innovation Centre offers high-quality facilities designed to support productivity, collaboration and day-to-day business needs.'