The Floating Pavilion

Providing areas for focused work whilst minimising their environmental footprint, the design purposefully integrated elements of society, space, light, texture, employee wellbeing, sustainability, finance, and collaboration. Approximately one-third of the space is designated for the entrance, meeting room, kitchen, washrooms, and building services, while the remainder is a large open-plan studio featuring workstations and space for sketching and modelmaking. The spaces are separated by a deep reclaimed ply storage wall with a bold transition in floor finish – red resin juxtaposed against white-oiled larch end-grain blocks. A central storage spine defines the function and wraps around the meeting room to provide a private space with glass sliding doors. This multifunctional piece serves as storage, a cleaning cupboard, a printer nook, a book and materials library, and conceals ply sliding doors. Designed to be an object of interest, the joinery has a datum at 2400mm from the floor, where it transitions to translucent polycarbonate. The ceiling’s steel structure was purposefully left exposed, while the walls were painted white. An MVHR system ensures efficient air circulation and heat recovery. Combined with infrared ceiling panels and a small electric boiler, this system minimises heating and hot water requirements. Recycled, low-carbon products were used, with ply from their previous studio desks being repurposed as doors and storage. This approach facilitated an investment in craftsmanship, reducing waste and significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint. Fresh filtered air, plants, and natural materials further enhance the environment. Possessing a unique business model fostering collaboration and a sense of ownership, a company with multiple shareholders owns the office, allowing those who share the space to buy shares proportionate to their desk.