Lucy Electric
Project Case Study: Lucy Electric
Project Type: Workspace
Intro:
Rhubarb Seating was approached by Lucy Electric, a leading company in secondary power distribution solutions, to transform their staff canteen area. As part of a project to refresh the communal space and ensure employees have a comfortable and relaxing area to eat and socialise, we were asked to design a space with different zones to accommodate a lounge area, and breakout and dining areas.
The Challenge:
To deliver:
- A carefully zoned open plan space for employees to socialise, relax and collaborate with multi-purpose functionality - offering private dining and meeting areas, collaborative break-out areas, and a cosy lounge area.
- Lounge seating that is robust, easy to clean, and able to withstand a busy dining environment but that had a ‘home from home’ look and feel.
- Considerate design to maximise the space and accommodate a broad range of seating styles and configurations.
- Overcome the narrow access to the area and ensure all furniture fitted into the designated areas.
Project Scope:
Working closely with Laurence Walker, the Facilities & Production Engineering Manager, we created a seating proposal that took into consideration the exact requirements for both the use of the space and the functionality, comfort, and durability of the furniture. Our modular and versatile Stella range enabled us to form a slightly curved configuration that invites employees to relax and come together during a coffee break, upholstered in Chieftain Just Colour, a Crib 5 soft and stain resistant vinyl, ideal for areas where food and drink are consumed. Our Hoxton sofas and Nova armchairs made the perfect choice for the lounge area. The webbed seat and high density CMHR foam of the Hoxton, coupled with the selection of Panaz Luxe Performance Velvet, a soft touch waterproof fabric, created the cosy and homely look and feel. The armchairs provided additional seating with a pop of colour to complete the lounge zone. We used colourful polypropene chairs and supportive and stylish Mata high stools for the breakout areas. To achieve privacy and a quieter space, our Booth units were paired with the client’s dining tables to create a comfortable and more private dining and meeting area.
How we delivered:
Our in-house design team measured and planned the space to create a visual concept of the seating for the different zones. This was an important part of the design process because of the tight access to the staff canteen area and the quantity of seating required for the different zones in the space. In consideration of this we proposed our medium back booths, which also supported the client’s objective to maintain an open visual across the entire space and avoid the booths from appearing too intrusive. Consideration was given to the colour palette, with different zones having their own unique colour schemes. The fabric selection process for the different configurations was key, and with Lucy Electric based locally, members of the team were able to visit our showroom to look at samples and involve staff in the details of the overall project.
Testimonial:
“We chose Rhubarb Seating as like us, they are a local company. The design brief was executed with care and consideration and the result was exceptional. Our Chairman Richard Dick was present to ‘open’ the new canteen and he was equally as impressed as were all our employees.
Our thanks go to the whole team at Rhubarb who facilitated the transformation.
Thank you from all at Lucy Electric!”
Transformation
The below images were taken 'before' the canteen area received a complete transformation...
