Industrial Office Fit Out

Laser & SFX Specialist | Kent

CAT-B Office Fit Out

Client:

Laser & Special Effects Specialists

Scope:

Office Design, CAT B Fit-Out, Mechanincal & Electrical, Mezzanine Floor

Location:

Dartford, Kent

Project Overview

CID Workspace was tasked with the design and build of a Cat B office fit-out for an international laser and special effects specialist. The client’s vision was to create a space that reflected their cutting-edge technology and dynamic brand, with a strong industrial theme. Our work included the integration of mezzanine floors, exposed services, and bold design elements that aligned with the client’s brand identity.

The design intent was to create an industrial-inspired space with an edgy, modern aesthetic. Key design elements included exposed services, black ceilings, faux shipping containers, exposed brick, and polished concrete. The client’s brand colours—yellow, cyan, and magenta—were incorporated throughout the space to reinforce their identity and add vibrant accents to the design.

2916

Total Area

301

Light Fittings

120

Glass Partitioning

Spider Removed

The Lobby

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an impressive lobby that rises to the full height of the building, making a strong first impression. The lobby features a custom-built mezzanine floor and a striking feature staircase, both of which are central to the space’s design. Faux shipping containers appear to jut out of the walls, adding an unexpected and playful element. Exposed brick and polished concrete complete the industrial look, while the open, airy feel of the space sets the tone for the rest of the building.

The Meeting Room

The boardroom was designed to resemble a space created within a shipping container, with corrugated metal sheets added to the walls to achieve this look. This room offers a unique perspective, overlooking the client’s showcase area where they demonstrate their laser and pyrotechnic capabilities. The design allows customers to witness not only the impressive light shows but also the day-to-day operations of the company. For added convenience, a tea point was incorporated into the room, ensuring functionality matched the design.

The Dock

The dock area occupies nearly half of the building and serves as the primary showcase space for the client’s lasers and pyrotechnics. To best highlight these effects, the entire area, except for the floor, was painted black. This creates the ideal environment for light and laser displays. The boardroom overlooks this dramatic space, with a container appearing to defy gravity as it juts out from the wall. We also installed custom goalposts to allow the client to hang their rigging equipment, ensuring the space is as functional as it is visually striking.

Mechanical and Electrical Integration

A critical component of this project was the installation of a completely new HVAC and lighting system. This system was seamlessly integrated into the building’s control system, allowing the client to manage heating, cooling, and lighting remotely from their devices. We also provided the necessary three-phase power supply to support the client’s laser and SFX equipment, and took care of all data and small power requirements throughout the building, ensuring that the space is not only visually impressive but also highly functional.

The Toilets

The unisex toilets were designed with a dark, moody ambience, contrasted by playful bright colour accents. Graphics were added to the doors and walls, including the backs of the toilet doors, providing ‘reading material’ that explains the company’s history and what they do. This creative touch not only adds character to the space but also reinforces the client’s brand narrative.

The Mezzanine

A custom steel mezzanine was constructed to serve as the client’s main office space, with storage for equipment underneath. This mezzanine had to be carefully designed to work with the building’s existing footings. A notable design feature is the unusually shaped main staircase and platform bridge that connects the main office area to the toilets, blending form with function in a unique way.

The Open Plan Office

The open-plan office area was designed to foster collaboration and creativity. It includes three private offices designed to look like shipping containers, open-plan desking for 20 people, breakout meeting spaces, and a staff tea point. The exposed ceiling services were all painted black to maintain the industrial theme. Wood panelling on the walls was added to soften the industrial look, and feature lighting was installed over the desks to create a balanced, inviting workspace.

"This project was a unique blend of industrial design and modern office functionality, perfectly aligning with the client's brand and operational needs. By integrating mezzanine floors, faux shipping containers, and exposed elements, we were able to create a space that not only serves its purpose but also stands out as a dynamic office environment that enhances both the client’s workflow and their brand presence."