Space Design
Walkthrough
Furniture Manufacturer
Supply & Installation
Flexiform collaborated with Banner to transform the National Oceanography Centre’s offices in Liverpool. The client wished to refresh the space to make it a nicer working environment whilst also addressing some key acoustic issues and boosting staff well-being. The installation phase took 8 working days, including the dismantling and recycling of existing furniture, and the delivery and installation of new office furniture.
The National Oceanography Centre originally used 120-degree desks that met their needs but had become outdated in style. They wanted to keep the boomerang-shaped design while adding height-adjustable features to promote staff health and well-being. Our in-house Design and Engineering team created a custom A-Up 120-degree three-person desk, aligning it with our standard Pico 120-degree range. This provided a seamless, uniform design while incorporating an electric sit-stand function. Each desk was equipped with privacy screens that fit neatly between workstations, along with integrated on-desk power outlets. The client’s existing task chairs were also incorporated, ensuring a smooth and ergonomic workspace upgrade.
Addressing issues through design
In addition to the office desks, we tackled their acoustic challenges by installing ceiling-suspended acoustic panels to reduce and absorb sound. We also introduced several acoustic meeting pods, offering staff a quiet space for private discussions and helping to lower the overall noise levels in the office.
These pods are fully upholstered, designed to absorb sound both inside and out. Each office pod features an integrated sofa and table, along with on-desk power outlets, PIR lighting, and ventilation, creating a comfortable and functional meeting area.
Flexible Workspaces
In addition to the main office area, we created a small, flexible workspace for breakout and informal meetings. The client chose two Larke work tables, providing the option to easily reconfigure the space for either a 12-person setup or smaller layouts. The Larke table, Flexiform’s latest collaborative workstation, includes an overhead gantry to suspend feature lighting and office plants, adding a lush and vibrant feel to the space. To complement this, we added two 3-person sofas and an Additions 2 coffee table in a matching finish, creating a cozy and functional area.
For office storage, we installed a mix of 6-person office lockers and tambour storage units with storage top planters, continuing the vibrant, biophilic design that reflects the National Oceanography Centre’s mission to explore the ocean and natural world. This project marks our first collaboration with Banner and their clients, and we look forward to working together on future projects.
