For this office overlooking Victoria Harbour, the reception forms an axis with the existing lobby to invite visitors into a space cladded in white porcelain tiles. This transition creates a contrasting entry to reset one’s perception before entering.
The white tiling at the reception extends as a path in the full length of the unit, providing access to every section of the office. A series of partitions are positioned along the path, and selectively filters the sightlines and natural lights to strengthen the qualities specific to the context of each space.
Steel fins, timber walls, clear and sandblasted glass altogether define the required degree of translucency and transparency. Some offer a glimpse of the office interior that appears only at certain angles, some block undesired view but allowing filtered natural light in, and some direct the users’ and visitors’ perspectives to an unobstructed panoramic view of the harbour. The overall experience amplifies as the journey into the office progresses.
The relationships between the staff areas, guest areas and common areas are thoroughly established in the early planning of the office layout. Areas are then divided and connected accordingly along the main path. Major spaces are also lined up on the same axis, so there is always an option to combine them into one large event space, where one can also watch the sun sets on the horizon.
Collaborator: Can
Photographer: Virgile Simon Bertrand