a look back to 2024 and our goals for 2025
a look back at 2024:
china town:
the team at 16a has been working on an exciting commercial project located in liverpool’s chinatown which is home to the oldest chinese community in europe.
currently, in the planning stage, we are looking forward to working on the development of a boutique hotel and restaurant space for our client, global school alliance.
home 96b:
2024 saw the launch of “home,” taking inspiration from john lennon's legendary "home restaurant" in new york. the once-neglected art deco bank on liverpool road in maghull has been transformed into a thriving restaurant and bar, right in the heart of maghull.
the team at 16a oversaw all architectural aspects from demolition to the finishing touches and interior design. their dedication promises a unique and inviting space that locals and visitors alike will enjoy.
heinz:
in partnership with usp, 16a created design proposals for reimagining numerous key aspects of the heinz factory at kitt green.
our goal was to promote an inclusive and innovative work environment that would not only improve functionality but also extend from the factory entrance to occupational health, research, and development, plus a canteen.
the initial design philosophy of this project is based on the idea of a dynamic, inclusive workspace. our idea is to build a strong foundation at the factory entrance, which would stand for unity and connectivity. this foundation represents kraft heinz's culture of cooperation and unity in addition to acting as a structural support.
egerton house:
egerton house was a former banana warehouse originally completed in 1874.
16a were commissioned for the refurbishment of the west wing of the building which we completed earlier this year. the refurbishment saw the number of offices grow from 25 to 50 and is part of a series of exciting projects in birkenhead after wirral council secured £25 million in funding from the government, to allow more businesses to thrive in such a prime location on the periphery of the wirral waters scheme.
roderick kearns:
in 2024 we launched roderick kearns, a collection of meticulously curated luxury designer homeware pieces bespoke to our clients and their homes. working with brands such as roche bobois, visual comfort and porta romana means we can deliver a range of high end products ranging from furniture, lighting and decorative accessories.
trend blogs:
this autumn, we launched trend reports focusing on some of the world’s largest design fairs, such as paris design week, pad london, and dutch design week. as a studio, it is crucial for us to stay up to date with trends, ensuring that we make informed choices that align with our clients' needs.
home building and renovation show harrogate:
in november the team took a trip to harrogate where we exhibited at the home building and renovation show. the show has been running for over 30 years now and was an excellent opportunity to gain inspiration and meet new clients.
looking forward to 2025:
the 16a Interiors team is looking forward to starting new residential and commercial projects in 2025 and visiting numerous trade shows, starting with the surface design show in february.
Feel free to reach out by phone, or call into our studios for a complimentary consultation with our team.
Rear Extensions and Level Changes: Key Considerations for Planning and Design
when planning a rear extension for your home, level changes and site gradients are crucial factors that can significantly impact both the design and functionality of the space. if the ground level of your extension exceeds a 300mm increase in height, it's essential to seek planning permission. this regulation ensures that the extension integrates harmoniously with the existing property and surrounding environment, preventing potential drainage issues and preserving privacy for neighbours.
one of the most important aspects of a rear extension with level changes is managing drainage effectively. any increase in height can affect water flow, so it's vital to incorporate proper drainage systems, such as french drains or surface water channels, to prevent flooding or waterlogging. ensuring that the ground slopes away from the house will also protect the foundation from moisture damage.
additionally, achieving flush transitions between the inside and outside spaces is key to creating a seamless flow. Whether through large sliding doors or bi-fold windows, these transitions help open up the living area, connecting your interior with the garden. this design element is especially valuable in summer, allowing for an expansive, light-filled environment that invites the outdoors in, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the warmer months
Redefining Workspaces: Exploring Design Trends in Rethinking the Modern Workplace
Redefining Workspaces: Exploring Design Trends in Rethinking the Modern Workplace
The modern workplace is undergoing a profound transformation, shaped by evolving work dynamics, technological advancements, and changing employee expectations. As organizations recognize the need for flexible, collaborative, and inspiring environments, design trends are emerging that challenge traditional office norms. In this blog post, we'll delve into the exciting design trends that are rethinking the modern workplace, creating spaces that foster innovation, well-being, and productivity.
The Shift in Workplace Paradigm in 10 steps:
The concept of a traditional office with rows of cubicles and static workstations is giving way to a more dynamic and fluid approach. Modern workplaces seek to enhance the employee experience, accommodate diverse work styles, and promote a sense of community. As organizations embrace remote work, hybrid models, and a focus on employee well-being, the design of the physical workspace plays a crucial role in shaping the future of work.
1. Flexible Layouts: Adapting to Change
Modern workplaces are designed with flexibility in mind. Open floor plans, movable furniture, and modular spaces allow for easy reconfiguration to accommodate various tasks and team sizes. This adaptability ensures that the workspace can evolve with changing work demands.
2. Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature In
Biophilic design integrates natural elements into the workspace, from plants and natural materials to ample natural light. This trend not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being, reduces stress, and improves cognitive function among employees.
3. Agile Workspaces: Embracing Mobility
The rise of remote work and flexible schedules has led to the creation of agile workspaces. These spaces support a mobile workforce by offering a variety of work settings, from individual workstations to collaborative areas, enabling employees to choose the environment that suits their tasks and preferences.
4. Wellness-Centric Design: Prioritising Health
Workplace wellness is a top priority, and design trends reflect this by incorporating features that support physical and mental well-being. Ergonomic furniture, dedicated wellness rooms, and spaces that encourage movement and relaxation contribute to a healthier work environment.
5. Hybrid Environments: Bridging In-Person and Remote Work
As organisations embrace hybrid work models, workplaces are being designed to accommodate both in-person and remote collaboration. This includes technology-rich meeting rooms, virtual collaboration tools, and seamless connectivity between on-site and remote employees.
6. Resimercial Spaces: The Home Away from Home
Resimercial design blurs the lines between residential and commercial spaces. Warm colors, comfortable furniture, and cozy aesthetics create an inviting atmosphere that feels more like home, promoting employee comfort and relaxation.
7. Inclusive Design: Fostering Diversity
Inclusive design focuses on creating environments that cater to a diverse workforce, considering factors like accessibility, cultural sensitivities, and varied work styles. These spaces celebrate individuality while fostering a sense of belonging.
8. Technology Integration: Seamless Connectivity
Modern workplaces are equipped with advanced technology to enhance collaboration and productivity. Video conferencing systems, interactive displays, and smart devices enable seamless connectivity, regardless of physical location.
9. Hub-and-Spoke Model: Satellite Offices
The hub-and-spoke model involves having a central office (the hub) complemented by satellite locations (the spokes). This design trend accommodates remote work while providing employees with the option to work in a physical office when needed.
10. Community Spaces: Fostering Interaction
Common areas that encourage interaction, such as lounges, cafes, and breakout zones, foster a sense of community and collaboration among employees, regardless of their role or department.
Case Study: The Google Campus
Google's campuses are renowned for their innovative workplace design. These campuses feature a blend of flexible workspaces, communal areas, and leisure amenities. For instance, Google's Mountain View campus includes outdoor workspaces, recreational facilities, and vibrant interiors that reflect the company's culture of creativity and collaboration.
Conclusion
The design trends shaping the modern workplace are a testament to the evolving nature of work itself. As organisations prioritise employee well-being, collaboration, and adaptability, the physical environment plays a critical role in fostering these values. From flexible layouts and well-being-centric design to embracing hybrid work models, each trend reflects a commitment to creating a workplace that not only meets the functional needs of employees but also empowers them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As we navigate the future of work, the modern workplace serves as a canvas for innovation, a driver of productivity, and a reflection of the evolving relationship between work and life.
- Joel Anthony Roderick, 16a Founder
