Synthomer

Our design for Synthomer leaned into Scandi-style design, as this is something that appealed to the client. Our use of light timbers and oak, as well as tonal colours and plush furnishings, is a direct contrast to the harder, industrial base build, providing a softer feel to the space and achieving the inspiration of Scandi design. Alongside the preservation of the softer finishes across the space to contrast this harder, industrial base build, with light timbers and oak, as well as tonal colours, and plush furnishings, achieves both these goals.

These choices, while contrasting, married perfectly with the sprayed-red steel beams and columns as well as the exposed brick, to create a space that feels harmonious with the raw materials.  

While the focal point of this space is the preserved architectural features, it was important to ensure that Synthomer’s identity was also sustained – to truly achieve this, we incorporated Synthomer’s signature blue throughout in subtle ways as to not overwhelm the space, while remaining tasteful.

In the reception area, we intentionally chose a Terrazzo desktop – a nod to Synthomer’s product (specialised polymers), as well as mimicking their logo with the repetition of the column bases in their brand’s blue – another way that we incorporated Synthomer as a company and brand into our design.

The project designer, Jess Flagg, led five separate sessions with staff, exploring what they liked and disliked and showing examples of different layouts. The team spoke openly about the ways the current tea point caused people to bump into each other while preparing lunch versus making a drink, so the design solution was to keep those areas separated, with everything needed for each function on its own side and a central island to ensure easy flow.

The design process was grounded not just in brand understanding but in listening to the people who use the space every day, ensuring that the whole Synthomer team was part of the process and felt heard.

All aspects of the technology package were tailored to Synthomer’s specific needs, one great example being the desk booking system, where a simple tap of an employee’s fob on the desk monitor adjusts the desk height to their personal preference. While a small deed, this solution aimed to ease the transition from fixed desks to hot desking, creating a personalised experience no matter which desk an employee uses.

From a full AV package to automated booking desks, our sister agency Tribe Technology made sure that the technology solutions were a vital part of the fit-out and not an afterthought, ensuring that the space met Synthomer’s functional needs from the outset.

When surveying the building, we found significant amounts of Asbestos. To ensure safety during removal, we installed Unistrut systems to support the safe removal and establish dust-tight enclosures. This challenge added an extra layer of pre-planning and accuracy to the whole project, which ultimately resulted in a smoother, safer removal process and minimal disruption to the rest of the site.