Interface Offices – Birmingham
Overbury was tasked with the office design of global flooring manufacturer, Interface, located in Birmingham, England.
Dubbed The Greenhouse, Interface’s new UK headquarters re-defines what possible with nature from ten stories above ground.
Overbury, the UK’s leading office fit out and refurbishment specialist, was instructed by Interface to design and build their new UK HQ in Birmingham. Spread across 7,600 sq ft at 10 Colmore Row, Overbury designed a space which showcased the full suite of Interface flooring finishes. Every square foot is unique; with varied finishes, sustainable furniture and views over the city.
The brief was simple – create a space with a wow factor! Interface designs a range of commercial flooring solutions, each taking inspiration from natural environments. This led Overbury to reflect the wider environments that inspired Interface’s products throughout their office design. The challenge was to seamlessly design an office which doubled as a showroom; through integrating a range of 30+ flooring solutions into the design.
The building’s floor-to-ceiling windows allow an abundance of light to shine through to the 10th floor of this iconic building. Overbury made sure the design made the most of this; situating different working and meeting areas close to the windows, and even integrating café-style high seating into the windows themselves. Staff will feel as if they’re working above the clouds.
On entering the space, you’re met with a wisteria tree sprouting from the kitchen island, its vines and flowers intertwined with feature lighting and the timber ceiling raft above. This creates a central point of calm in a space that blends showroom with workspace. Instead the wisteria with its pink hues contrasts with the wooden finishes and teal greens used in the kitchen to create a serene sense of calm.
Nature plays a key part in Interface’s product designs, so bringing biophilia into the working environment was important. Nature is all around you in this office; from the timber flooring and wall coverings, to the wooden desks, and even agile working areas with pot plants hanging from above, this is an office that truly rejuvenates the soul.
The hero of each area had to be Interface’s flooring products, so Overbury designed the layout and working areas to best showcase how their products could be used to set the tone for different working areas.
The Greenhouse is Interface’s first location in Europe to bring its family of carbon neutral products together, from carpet tile to Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and nora® rubber flooring. On entering the office, the eye is immediately drawn to a beautiful wisteria tree which sits in the centre of the open plan kitchen area. Its form is also reflected in the flooring through a custom made 50m2 nora® rubber inlay, which clearly demonstrates the versatility of the range.
Careful consideration was made in choosing the furniture to compliment the varied flooring design, as not to distract from Interface’s products. All finishes, fabrics and fittings were chosen for their sustainable properties.
Design: Overbury
Photography: Richard Kiely
