Africa Express Line

Client brief

To create a bright, open plan workplace for Africa Express Line, who were going through an office relocation to West Malling, Kent.

Office Relocation Design

Following a visit to their existing site in Paddock Wood, we got an idea of the company ethos and the amount of space they were soon to inhabit.

Africa Express Line had occupied the space ten years earlier, and wanted to re-occupy it in a similar fashion. Our office interior designers put forward a 2D and 3D design which depicted a similar layout.

The design included a reception, several meeting rooms, director’s office, communications room, open plan office space and a breakout area.

Key features of the office space design for our client was the enlargement of the breakout area, the inclusion of shared desking and a variety of storage solutions.

Our Solution

Given that the building had glass around the perimeter of the building, our client wanted to take advantage of the light. Our office fit out solution was to introduce glass frontages with manifestations in the office and meeting rooms, which also included company signage.

As you come into reception, two glass boxes were installed which allow you to see into the boardroom and open plan office. To establish the AEL company identity, within the glass boxes we included two model ships with downlights shining onto them.

In the breakout area, we implemented a glass door to achieve a more open feel. The contemporary breakout interiors included a Wagamama’s style bench, high level seating, two microwaves built in to the cupboards, fridge, and stylish pendant light fittings.

The open plan office area was fitted out with a variety of storage solutions. These included roller racking, low level cabinetry around each desk and a storage wall.

Another important feature of the office fit out was the inclusion of screens. These were positioned around the building so that staff could monitor the ships around the world.

Overall we created a bright, spacious and modern workplace with plenty of storage, ready for our client to move into.