Valerius & Thorne LLP
| WORKSPACE ARCHITECTURE & BUILD | Northern England | |
| Interior Design & Build | 37,500 SQFT | 18 weeks |
Overview:
The Lurian project represents a complete 16-week design and build overhaul of a 42,000 sqft, multi-level workspace. Driven by a desire to modernize and step away from a conventional corporate atmosphere, the objective was to cultivate a warm, contemporary environment that seamlessly integrated the building's raw architectural elements. To break down existing departmental silos, the layout was strategically engineered to maximize team collaboration and open communication. We deployed 280 workstations across the floor plates, thoughtfully interspersed with agile collaborative hubs to break up the open desking. Additionally, a highly adaptable town hall space was constructed on the upper level for major company and client events, while a central communal lounge was introduced on the primary floor to naturally bring employees together.
Solution::
The design strategy for the Lurian headquarters resulted in a meticulously engineered environment that perfectly balances operational functionality with premium aesthetics and community building. By integrating open-plan collaboration zones and a striking central staircase that unites multiple floors, the architecture actively promotes cross-functional communication and team cohesion.
The arrival experience is anchored by a sophisticated reception space, highlighted by a custom architectural brand wall, plush seating arrangements, and curated ambient lighting. Centralized breakout lounges and strategically positioned café bars naturally encourage spontaneous interaction. To balance high-performance work with employee wellbeing, a dedicated recreation lounge on the upper level serves as a vibrant, high-energy retreat to spark creativity.
A refined material palette featuring industrial metal accents, rich timber finishes, and layered tactile elements establishes a timeless atmosphere that pays homage to the region's heritage. Ultimately, the Lurian project delivers a visionary workspace that champions connectivity, ergonomic comfort, and a deep-rooted connection to its organizational culture.