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Mix and match

DESIGN AND BUILD
Modular furniture saves companies time and money when rearranging the office layout. Because it is simple to add additional units, it is possible to adapt the existing furniture instead of replacing it with new items as the business grows. This also reduces the environmental impact by decreasing the frequency with which furniture is thrown away. It also means that any furniture purchased will serve the business over a longer period of time and, as such, allows the company to invest in better quality from the outset.

As modular storage furniture is made up of numerous smaller units, it is easy to rearrange. The ability to change the interior design quickly enables businesses to keep up with the times and cater for their changing needs. For the same reasons, this type of furniture is ideal for flexible workspaces and agile working.

Modular storage units work well as room dividers, which is particularly beneficial in open-plan office landscapes to separate different departments or workspaces. Storage units can help wayfinding by defining walkways, team neighbourhoods and different functions. Unlike standard storage furniture, which is designed for placement against a wall, this type of storage is designed to sit in the middle of a room and features a fully-finished back.

Says Supple: “A popular design trend is to fit a sound-absorbency panel to the back to improve acoustics and help reduce the noise that is unavoidable in an open-plan office. As well as having a practical application, acoustic panels are a way for companies to personalise their office furniture to their brand by choosing fabrics in company colours. In a row of modular storage, an effective way to provide accessible storage to more people and create a dynamic look is to place the units facing in opposite directions.”

Because modular units fit seamlessly side by side, it is possible to cater for different needs while maintaining a natural flow throughout the office. One of the biggest benefits is how easily parts can be added and combined to create a system that suits the business and employees. Drawer units, magazine shelves, document trays and more, simply slide into place on the shelves. The furniture can be extended upwards to maximise the use of floor space, whether that is adding additional storage or indoor planters to create a more pleasant working environment. The modular design means these elements fit together, allowing you to mix and match different pieces throughout the office.

BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL
Because aesthetic considerations are also important, storage systems can be accessorised with colourful tops, shelves, planters and more to achieve a homely feel. This move away from the traditional corporate aesthetic is mirrored in the growth of soft seating and breakout areas more akin to a living room than the old-fashioned image of a typical office. Residential-style open shelving can contain curated ornaments, books and plants and act as space dividers while supporting collaborative workspaces. For many people, personalisation of the working environment is a valuable way to help build a sense of engagement and belonging to the organisation.

Says Hindle: “It is increasingly important for organisations to provide an office landscape that is rich in variety and choice for workers. It provides a more domestic feel to the office environment without compromising on functionality, even incorporating fully integrated work surfaces and soft seating elements.”

Modular storage and shelving can also help those companies that have awkwardly shaped empty spaces (such as under the stairs and around the cores), as they can be arranged in a way that makes the best use of the space. They may also be considered to be aesthetically pleasing, as their colours, layouts and decoration can be specified according to taste.

But one of the biggest benefits of modular shelving systems over custom-made fitted units is that they can be moved and rearranged as per your needs or design preferences (or even taken with you should you move office). They are also likely to be less expensive than installing fitted units.

About Sarah OBeirne

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