If you were to ask what kind of spaces we love to transform the most, at first we’d be hard pressed to choose one type above any other.
After all, however a space looks at the start, the joy for us designers lies in the challenge of taking something utterly unprepossessing and transforming it into something totally out-of-this-world.
But then, every so often, a client approaches us with a building that’s full of character already - a heritage building, say, full of unique architectural features and historic charm.
These buildings offer a rich visual canvas that whets our design imaginations from the start; the opportunity to collaborate with and enhance the existing historical features and infuse them with contemporary functionality unleashing the very best of our team’s creativity.
A Grade II Listed Gem
The 10,000 sq ft, two floor suite that our friends at White Rose Education had marked out for the next stage of their richly-deserved expansion was just such a project.
A “local landmark reborn”, The Granary is a Grade II listed warehouse which sits proudly canal-side in the centre of Leeds’ burgeoning, buzzing South Bank regeneration.
More than 250 years old, it’s just been treated to a comprehensive Cat A refurb, creating a number of wonderfully open, fresh-slate workspaces, each brimming with features - stunning stonework, vaulted ceilings and sash windows among them.
All these workspaces need now is a stamp of personality.
So we were beyond thrilled when White Rose Education got in touch to ask us to work the DesignTonic magic on their chosen suite.
A space shaped to inspire those who shape young minds? You’re on!
“It was so easy working with DesignTonic, they really seemed to get our vision straight away.”
Caroline Hamilton, White Rose Education
The Listed Learning Curve
Of course, working in listed buildings comes with its own very particular set of challenges.
While we had no intention of doing anything with the fabulous heritage features other than working sensitively in harmony with them, we still wanted to make absolutely sure our planned fit-out works had full sign-off from the relevant authorities.
And so, the DesignTonic design team worked closely with the brilliant Zerum, who provided their usual seamless guidance through the entire process, giving us - and the client - complete peace of mind.
All this meant that the initial design process had to be unbelievably thorough - and, though no bad thing by any means, this is helped immeasurably by having a client that’s on the same page.
Luckily for us, the White Rose Education team are an absolute dream to work with!
The result is a truly stunning scheme - one that ticks all the boxes when it comes to uber-functionality and productivity, and also brings a lot of joy to the people who spend their working days there.
Job done :)
The Big Reveal
Enough of the scene setting!
Let’s take a tour through the innovative, inspiring new home-from-home workspace of White Rose Education…
Branding, Biophilia and Baffles…
Too often, people shy away from bold schemes in period buildings, perhaps for fear of detracting from the character features - but we think the opposite is true.
Here, the use of White Rose Education’s decadent, cosseting brand blue brings cosy depth to the scheme, contrasting beautifully with the warmth of the original stonework and the bright white of the gorgeous vaulted ceiling.
For added softness and wellness vibes, lush, verdant greenery is liberally spread throughout the entire scheme, from live moss feature walls to desk end planters and ceiling rafts.
And another key wellbeing touch - because both floors are primarily open plan, the DesignTonic team needed to pay careful consideration to acoustic comfort.
We’ve talked before about how loud, carrying noise doesn’t just hinder productivity in a workplace, it directly affects workers’ wellbeing too, creating stress and even health issues.
A well-designed acoustic environment enhances communication, minimises interruptions and promotes a sense of calm and focus.
And, because White Rose Education often host training sessions in-office, it was even more essential to make sure that everyone - staff and delegates alike - can concentrate and remain undistracted at all times.
So here, the DesignTonic team have worked in a wide range of smart comfort features to control noise levels and optimise the quality of sound throughout the various task spaces - from feature wall acoustics to hanging baffles, desk screens to modular booth seating, the dampening and direction of sound travel has been painstakingly planned; even the boardroom’s pendant lights have added acoustic properties!
Task-Appropriate
As with all DesignTonic interiors, we’ve created plenty of different styles of workspaces to cater for all the White Rose Education team’s task needs.
Focused desk spaces flow into informal collaboration zones; a high central hotdesk has become an unexpected favourite spot for colleagues; private offices sit next to formal meeting rooms, the training zone and a main boardroom.
And we’ve not even mentioned…
Breakout Goals
Where will the DesignTonic team be heading first next time we drop in?
It’s got to be the brilliant breakout/kitchen space.
Raising an instant smile with its bright, vibrant, on-brand geometric flooring and greenery-garnished globe lighting rafts, this is such a wonderful place to grab a spot of lunch, enjoy some quiet time and/or craft a perfect coffee using the state-of-the-art, touchscreen coffee machine.
Happy pets, happy us
All DesignTonic spaces come with extra-special touches and here, one we particularly love is something that speaks loudly to our own collective hearts - the bespoke dog crate!
Building in space for the team’s dogs to kickback and relax during their office time was a key requirement for the White Rose Education team and obviously, we were only too happy to oblige.
The result is a comfy and comforting spot for the team’s canine besties - an environment all of their own where they can feel safe, secure and happy.
“We would absolutely recommend DesignTonic to anybody who’s thinking of creating a space for their business that’s full of inspiration, that’s full of colour, that’s full of enjoyment - DesignTonic have been great from start to finish…”
Tony Staneff, White Rose Education
We know a big Design and Build project can seem daunting…
An unfamiliar process, an uncertain outcome, a big expense - all these are huge factors that can weigh heavy on any client’s mind.
But this is what we do, every day.
As a Team, we’ve got decades of industry experience and an ethos that sees us work closely, collaboratively and with utmost competence to exceed your expectations and create out-of-this-world workspaces that deliver and delight, from the moment you enter to the second you leave.
