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Since launching production in 2009, WE Soda has become a global leader in the soda ash industry. The company now produces approximately five million tonnes of natural soda ash and sodium bicarbonate annually.

 

Client Brief

WE Soda contacted Rap Interiors to upgrade its corporate office space in the City of London. Having worked with WE Soda several years prior, we were delighted to be consulted again to make further enhancements.

This time around, we were given the following brief:

  • Introduce new features to the reception area to improve on-site security. The reception also required aesthetic changes to immediately set a professional tone and build instant trust with visiting associates.
  • Modernise the boardroom and multiple meeting rooms while improving acoustics. This would also require complex reconfigurations to accommodate an existing ventilation system.
  • Turn existing meeting rooms into dedicated visitor spaces for high-stakes business meetings.
  • Upgrade the tea point and adjoining breakout space to make the area more inviting for employees. WeSoda also wanted this to double up as an alternative workspace.
  • Create a new private office space for the WE Soda CEO.

Furthermore, the project was very time sensitive, so it required expert project management to meet the programme deadline.

Reception Area

To tighten security in the reception area, we introduced new glass security barriers. These require a fob to gain access, preventing unauthorised individuals from entering the building.

In addition to the security barriers, we installed a new main entrance system consisting of a robust glazed sliding security door, which includes a PIR motion detection system.

Furthermore, our designers re-configured the space to improve visibility for the receptionist. With a new desk location, the receptionist can now clearly see employees and visitors arriving at the premises.

As it is the first thing people see, the reception area design also needed to set a professional tone. This meant making visual changes by introducing a bespoke desk, natural stone effect, elegant acoustic panels and atmospheric lighting.

We also created a new recessed seating area with a large screen to display company information, helping to project a professional, business-first atmosphere.

Meeting Rooms

For the meeting rooms, WE Soda wanted them to double up as private spaces for both clients and staff. These required a high-end feel to continue the professional atmosphere initiated within the reception area.

To give the meeting rooms a high-end look, we replaced the flooring with a luxurious cut pile carpet tile. We also installed Crittall-effect glass panels with partial frosting and acoustic wall panels to reduce noise transference.

Other key features include elegant new uplighters, digital booking systems, and collaborative meeting furniture.

Office breakout space in London office refurbishment project with modern breakout furniture solutions. Office breakout space in London office refurbishment project with modern breakout furniture solutions.

Tea Point

To improve the tea point as part of the overall office refurbishment project, we made a number of simple but effective changes. With new worktops, cupboards and white goods, our London interior designers have given the area a welcome lift, making it more inviting and practical for staff.

Breakout Areas and Visitor Areas

For the adjoining breakout area, our office interior designers presented a new concept to WE Soda with the view of turning it into a multi-use space. In addition to its function as a dining area, the introduction of additional seating areas allows people to work with a laptop, have informal meetings or simply sit and relax.

Nearby, we also created various private office spaces in the form of small rooms with desks for visitors and staff to work with privacy. These rooms include new flooring, decorations, biophilic elements, ceiling height partitions and furniture throughout.

Boardroom

Arguably the highlight of the new corporate office design; the new boardroom is marked by a high-end corporate aesthetic and top-of-the-range technology.

By combining a classic boardroom design with modern audio-visual elements, WE Soda now has the perfect space for crucial business meetings and collaboration. A particular highlight is the reconfigurable collaboration table, which can seat 20+ people and includes locking castors for flexibility.

Above this, we introduced a bespoke ceiling raft with LED lighting and speakers and access to the services above.

Other key features include soft boardroom chairs, stylish cut pile carpet, convenient coat pegs, atmospheric uplighters, and multiple presentation screens in recessed walls. We also hung sheer curtains on the external window, supplementing the luxury feel whilst concealing the view.

CEO Office

Lastly, our design team developed a modern concept for a CEO office. This entailed stripping out an existing meeting room to make way for the new space.

By swapping a glass partition for a solid wall, we were able to create a private office space for CEO. Aesthetically, the decorations follow the same style as the rooms below, ensuring consistency and a cohesive design throughout.

The room also includes new meeting furniture and a new AC unit. The latter was subject to a ceiling adaptation to facilitate the installation.

Boardroom design with bespoke boardtable and meeeting chairs for London office refurb. Boardroom design with bespoke boardtable and meeeting chairs for London office refurb.

The Results

Following the successful London office refurbishment, WE Soda now has the necessary facilities to improve operations, boost productivity and build on its success in the soda ash industry.

The reception area is far more secure with the new security features, while its design immediately creates a results-driven, professional atmosphere.

The corporate aesthetic is consistent throughout the space, including the breakout area, which employees can use for laptop work and ad-hoc meetings. This provides an alternative workspace while also offering a place for respite.

Other highlights, such as the stunning new boardroom, private meeting rooms and CEO office, make for a practical workplace environment overall, ensuring employees can produce their best work.

We also completed the refurbishment works within the tight timeline and within budget, making for a highly successful office design project.

Are You Looking for a London Office Design Company?

Ready to elevate your corporate office? Rap Interiors specialises in creating modern office spaces with unique, on-trend design schemes. From boardrooms to breakout areas and beyond, we offer forward-thinking design solutions for your space.

To book a design consultation, please call 0333 600 1234, complete the form below, or email refurb@rapinteriors.co.uk