kpe offices

Project Details

Project Description

As with any young, fast growing technology based company, required new office space for its growing number of employees, and an image presentable to their high profile clients. In a 11,000 s.f. full floor open loft space above union square, the intention was to build as little as possible within the long narrow l-shaped space to allow the natural light to reach all points yet still provide workspaces for developers, programmers and others.

With three walls of windows and a long demising wall with none, the blank wall was a prominent element. The solution used the long wall as both an organizer, lumps of offices were stuck to it with simple work surfaces in between office blocks, and as a reflective surface, a light greenish painted plaster reflected the natural light as a strange green murmur felt throughout the space. Along the blank wall, the office blocks were constructed of light gauge steel studs, the simplest of structural systems, with applied panels of varying translucencies to allow light to penetrate into the offices.

Clear green acrylic gave glimpses of the exterior and let light in making these small spaces much ;larger as they participated in the entire space visually. From the exterior the materials glowed under both natural light from skylights above and artificial lights at night. The glow of the boxes fills adjacent workareas with an even light 24/7.

Simple materials were used to create modular workspaces between office blocks. P-lam, brushed aluminum, translucent plastis, etc. At the head of the long blank wall, windows above union square provide light and views of both the farmers market below and sky above. A glazed wall with operable panels seperates the conference room from the open loft-like attitude of the lounge and entry and the technology laden conference room.

The mirror glazing reflects the windows and dark tint subdues the intense affects they provide. plycem paneled walls, the only floor to ceiling walls within the space, enclose the room on the three remaining sides. A cabinet containing the computer and av systems powering the room opposes the dark tinted wall.