Superheroes

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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Superheroes

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Firm

Simon Bush-King Architecture and Urban Design

Type

Commercial › Office

YEAR

2014

Our client, the digital agency Superheroes, had been growing on the back of viral hits and a room for new sidekicks and their cape collection. That is, until they found a fantastic, light-filled space for their new hideout. However, a short lease of three years dictated a budget that was one-quarter of what would typically be allocated for a low-cost fit-out. In other words, their budget was enough to cover 1,290 square feet of their 5,100-square-foot studio.

Our approach developed our client’s wishes, visual expression, and construction method in unison. With the notion that corners create character, we placed three much-needed meeting rooms in the corners of the large open space. We also introduced flexible areas in-between for the myriad of tasks that defy description in studio work environments: the casual chat, quick review, or private phone call.

The search for a strong expression and cheap construction method led us to OSB (oriented strand board) and a CNC machine. We cut 100 sheets using 21st-century technology, yet assembled them as if it were the middle ages; pine dowels join each of the custom-made frames for the meeting rooms, as well as most of the furniture. Double-glazed windows fit within each frame and are also held together with wooden dowels. Only a handful of screws have been used in the entire project, which has been built to be disassembled should the team relocate in a few years.

50 hanging plants, along with movable whiteboards and storage units, divide the space into project areas. A long table under the central atrium is the focus of the studio. Here, a stage curtain offers a range of ways to use the space, from dividing one side from the other to creating a completely enclosed meeting room.

The studio adopts a simple, clean expression using elements of Superheroes’ own identity. For us, however, the real lesson from this project was how to retain rigorous style while stretching a budget.