LUSH

Once through a hidden doorway, there is a multifunctional communal space with a pop-up bar and book nook to accommodate events and after-work activities. The communal area then follows through to the Global Media Studio. This space is completely flexible and can be converted into a film set, workspace, cinema or event space for employees and collaborators. In addition, there is also a studio kitchen permanently set-up to allow for the filming of live shows and online videos. Connected to this space is a series of media suites, including a hero-suite and editing desks.

At the front of the building there are three additional rooms that are available to book out for meetings.

There are also video-phone booths for one-to-one internet meetings and the Nest - a self-contained meeting space with a kitchen, that can be set up for circle meetings or film screenings.

The retail design itself uses recycled materials for the kitchens and an earthy colour palette, using reclaimed FSC certified timbers, brick and tiles, which complement the injection of fresh, citrus colours in the vintage soft furnishings. The carefully crafted, contrasting textures help to add visual weight to the space and creates a sense of wholesomeness that encourages engagement and productivity amongst employees.

A large portion of the furniture was sourced from original, mid-century suppliers and British manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions and retain the authenticity of the brand's British heritage.

The kitchens were built and installed on-site with hardwood work surfaces and hand-painted cupboards that are in-line with Lush’s sustainability principles of working with ecologically friendly products. The kitchens resembled old-style country kitchens with Belfast sinks and traditional splashback tiling. The kitchens were also sourced and hand-made locally, with eco-friendly paint and tiles made from 60% recycled content.

The design retains the integrity of the original building while digital elements and fixtures, such as crittal screens and skype booths, give the space a new lease of life that is compatible with modern work requirements.

To put a new and creative overlay onto the retro architectural background, a top-of-the-range music system and digital screens were used to express the future.

M&E works included the installation of data cabling, Wi-Fi, digital screens, an overhead projector and access control to doors.

With wireless technology redefining the workplace, the free-flowing space gives employees the freedom to move outside the traditional desk-based setting by embracing open workspaces to create a sense of community and encourage the exchange of ideas. To facilitate this, Portview fitted casual meeting lounges, communal workstations and standing workstations to influence creativity and social activity within the workplace, while replicating the look and feel of a home environment.