After 20 years in a disjointed, multi-level office, a leading marine underwriter sought a radical transformation to align with evolving needs for community, efficiency, and sustainability. Their move to a single-floor, open-plan space has redefined the working environment, fostering a sense of unity and innovation. The brief called for a workspace that would honour timeless design while incorporating sustainable materials and practices — a challenge requiring a fresh approach to both design and functionality.
A Design Brief Rooted in Community and Simplicity
The client’s former office spanned five levels, creating physical and social divides that no longer served their growing organisation. Seeking to bring their team together cohesively, the new design was centred on a single-floor layout to encourage interaction and community. Working in close collaboration with MCM, we crafted a furniture package that met the client’s needs for comfort, functionality, and visual harmony. The design brief emphasised a balance of classic materials with modern touches, incorporating soft, understated tones and communal areas, such as a social hub where employees could gather and connect.
Thoughtful Design Details and Key Successes
Among the notable design features is the Opus Magnum table, a bespoke piece with subtle metal inlays that bring an understated sense of luxury. This table, along with other carefully selected furnishings, complements the office’s clean, timeless aesthetic. Colour theory also played a significant role in the design: relaxing, subdued hues define certain spaces, while more vibrant colours energise collaborative areas. Each finish and lighting choice was made with wellbeing and productivity in mind, creating a workspace that feels both sophisticated and functional.
Sustainability Through Reuse: A New Standard for Green Design
Sustainability was central to this project, with a life-cycle approach that addressed every phase of the furniture’s journey. Through EcoClear, our service for rehoming and ethically clearing office furniture, 100% of the workstations were sourced as reused pieces, resulting in a significant carbon saving of 6.5 tonnes of CO2e. The client’s initial concerns about second-hand furniture were quickly dispelled by the quality of the pieces, which seamlessly aligned with the new office’s modern aesthetic.
The project became a standout example of “joined-up thinking” within our organisation, as various divisions worked in sync to deliver a solution that met the client’s sustainability goals. “This was the first time we used EcoClear’s reuse solution internally in such a comprehensive way,” said Matt Kane, the sustainability lead, highlighting the effective communication and teamwork that ensured the project’s success.
Changing Perceptions and Embracing a Circular Economy
The client’s positive experience with reused furniture was a turning point, shifting their perspective on second-hand options. Initially hesitant, they were impressed by how well the repurposed desks fit into the new space, finding them indistinguishable from new furnishings. As Matt Kane reflected, “We’ve changed the perception of second-hand furniture for an entire organisation that never would have considered it prior to this project.”
This project’s sustainable approach extended beyond furniture selection. As part of the final phase, EcoClear will undertake an ethical clearance of the remaining furniture from the old office, focusing on donation partnerships to ensure each item finds a new life and avoids waste. This ongoing commitment to the circular economy reinforces our reputation as a leader in eco-conscious office transformations.
A Vision of Sustainability and Timeless Design
For this leading marine underwriter, the new office signifies more than a change of location — it represents a commitment to a future where sustainability and sophisticated design coexist seamlessly. Through thoughtful reuse and responsible clearance, Tsunami Axis has delivered a workspace that meets high standards for both environmental responsibility and aesthetic integrity.
