Bauer Media, the powerhouse behind iconic brands like Grazia Magazine, Greatest Hits Radio, Jazz FM, and Kerrang!, embarked on a mission to create a workspace that celebrates the art of performing. This vision, brought to life by architects spacelab_, resulted in a dynamic workspace designed to cater to the unique needs of presenters, copywriters, and administrative staff alike. At Tsunami Axis, we played a pivotal role in this transformation, ensuring the successful delivery of spacelab_’s vision through meticulous furniture procurement and manufacturing.
A Vision of Sustainability and Aesthetic Excellence
Central to the project was a commitment to environmental consciousness, seamlessly integrating sustainability into every facet of the design. This approach not only aligned with Bauer Media’s brand aesthetics but also fulfilled stringent sustainability metrics.
In a remarkable feat, 87% of the furniture from Bauer Media’s previous office was reused, with task chairs and desks given a new lease of life in the new space.
Sustainable and Innovative Materials
In the meeting rooms and breakout areas, sustainable requirements were met through the use of custom materials. A standout choice was Kvadrat’s Re-wool, an upholstery textile designed by Margrethe Odgaard, woven with 45% recycled wool. This innovative fabric is crafted from post-industrial fibre scraps collected from Kvadrat’s own production, ensuring consistent high quality while minimising wool fibre waste.
Another key material was Oceanic Fabric, made entirely from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. Every metre of Oceanic incorporates the equivalent of 26 plastic bottles collected from the sea, making it a truly eco-friendly choice.
One of the project’s most visually striking features is the terrazzo effect Spectra reception desk, crafted from PET packaging waste. Using PET packaging waste to create furniture is an effective way to reduce environmental impact. For example, for every 1 tonne of PET plastic recycled, it can save 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and approximately 88% of the energy needed to produce virgin plastic.
Unifying Teams Under One Roof
This project marked a significant shift for Bauer Media, bringing departments that were previously spread across multiple buildings under one roof in the Lantern building. Clever layout planning and design fostered greater integration among teams, enhancing collaboration and communication.
A central staircase runs through the atrium, connecting the reception area to a vibrant social hub. Open collaborative areas are strategically placed throughout both floors, with glass-fronted meeting rooms offering visibility and allowing natural light to flow through, creating bright and airy workspaces.
Versatility at its Best
The social hub stands out as one of the office’s most versatile spaces. Designed to accommodate frequent changes, the furniture in this area supports various functions, from communal lunches to town hall meetings, events, and presentations. This adaptability maximises the use of available space, making it a dynamic focal point of the office.
