Cafe culture

Stopping for a tea break has taken on a whole new meaning for many employees. Thanks to management foresight and professional design expertise, many companies are now providing lively breakout areas that encourage staff interaction.

The breakout area featured here is a good example. Designed by Architects Johannsen + Associates (AJA), the refurbished print sales office of PMP Ltd in Clayton, Vic, reflects the trend towards stimulating, open work environments.

For this fitout, which was part of a nationwide company makeover, the break-out area was positioned close to a large number of workstations. AJA director Gaby Gering says the company wanted to open up the space, making it more permeable and transparent a reflection of the corporate culture.

"Incorporating a row of hot-desks was a way to separate the workstations from the casual seating area without creating a solid barrier," she says.

Contemporary fixtures and fittings were specified to reinforce the company identity and to reflect the highly industrial nature of the site. These include Laminex laminates, which feature on most surfaces.

Laminex Brushed Aluminium was used to create the high blades that separate the hot-desks. These are wrapped in panels of Laminex Milano Walnut. The desktops feature Laminex Parchment.

"Incorporating the timber laminate was a way to meet the project budget while still retaining the look of the wood, that features in other PMP locations," says Gering. "The Laminex laminates help to establish a contemporary palette, which will also be enduring and not faddish."

Gering says the aesthetic use of such materials contributes greatly to staff morale, and ultimately productivity.

As well as being hard-wearing, Laminex laminates are UV-resistant and easy to keep clean.

For further information, contact Laminex, phone 132 136, or for a brochure or sample, phone 1800 002 204. Website: www.laminex.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas