sleek and secure

A firm dealing with sensitive or classified material will also deal with dignitaries and prestigious clients from across the country and around the globe. The trick can be creating a front of house that is as impressive as the processes that keep all intellectual properties safely behind closed doors.

This was the fit-out scenario when SI Design, with executive director Brad Walls at the helm, undertook the introduction of reception, offices, a presentation room, a boardroom and breakout areas into a ground level and mezzanine floor.

"The client, security specialist Nexbis, wanted a sleek, contemporary reception area to create an impact for the many overseas visitors coming to view its advanced mobile screening and security stations," says Walls. "Here, black reflective floor tiles are balanced by light-toned walls and ceilings with LED lighting to dramatic effect."

To one side of the reception there is a waiting area complete with tropical fish tank; to the other, a security room glows with closed-circuit screens monitoring every area of the interior from boardroom to cafe.

SI Design created a logical progression from the open reception area a feature metal bridge leads to a presentation room, with the boardroom and other offices spaces beyond.

The mezzanine is home to another Nexbis department and the cafe.

"Secure entry and egress are important in this kind of environment, and the position of staircases on both levels dictated the placement of the offices," says Walls. "Another factor was the client's willingness to give valuable floor space to create generous breakout areas and a large cafe."

The new cafe and internet area has a circular form, echoing the shape of the building itself. A central, curvilinear dividing wall effectively creates two areas of use one side for coffee and relaxation, the other providing a row of internet-connected laptops.

The fit-out combines luxurious touches to the front, with a more functional aesthetic to the rear. Carpet treatments vary to signify areas of public domain where important guests view, consider, or discuss the latest high-tech offering.

The impression for clients is of a futuristic-style space with the technological advances to match.

Story by: Trendsideas