AnalogFolk’s UK headquarters now comprises 20,000ft² and is spread over two buildings, one of which is three storeys and wraps around a central atrium. The interior fit-out and FF&E project by Design Haus Liberty includes an impressive reception area, open bar zone, meeting rooms, library with integrated operational telephone booths, open work spaces and social areas with a multifunctional breakout space.
As an agency, AnalogFolk’s working mission is to use digital technology to make the analog world better. The brief given to Design Haus Liberty was to use the business’ ethos to drive the stylistic approach and design of the office, while keeping within the constraints of a challenging budget of £20 per square foot. Design Haus Liberty, which is known for its creativity in delivering engaging and cutting-edge work, also needed to create an environment in which to cultivate employees and to become a place where they could identify with, as well as thrive in.
The interiors have been thoughtfully created out of the repurposing of materials and objects resulting in eye-catching designs throughout the office. Recycled glass, wood and reclaimed furniture, such as leather chairs, antique trunks and colourful rugs, fill the office along with an abundance of greenery to promote staff wellbeing. Balconies and window boxes adorned with plants replace internal walls to enable colleagues to see across floors, which brings about a sense of openness and connectivity throughout.
Other interesting features include antique French barn doors which are used as a conference table in the large boardroom, while disused scaffolding has been fashioned into a library with integrated operational telephone booths for staff use. Distressed timber, remodelled OSB and glimpses of exposed wood and brick complement the curated spaces that offer a relaxed, stylish membership lounge atmosphere rather than a generic office space. To create a project as unique as possible, Design Haus Liberty explored markets, bazaars and farms in and around London to discover the most interesting and individual pieces to showcase.
Another overriding aim of the project was to architecturally connect the office space to its immediate environment through the element of light. The atrium’s glazed roof fills the room with light that bounces off the interiors. In addition to this, a logo on a frosted glass partition in the entrance creates a glow both day and night. This feature mimics a retail effect that also draws the attention of a passer-by.
The office also includes a selection of bespoke glass installations which Design Haus Liberty creates and makes in-house. Located in the reception the, ‘Finding Nemo’ sculpture is made from recycled old glass bottles which have been arranged to resemble a school of fish, symbolic of the teamwork at AnalogFolk. While a chandelier made of martini glasses is suspended in the atrium underneath the glazed roof, reflecting the natural light as well as the carefully placed spotlights within the installation.
The atrium functions as a breakout as well as entertainment and event space for both staff and clients, with fun touches including the martini glass chandelier. The mix of styles of furniture in the room, such a colourful rug, industrial metal table and a soft upholstered chair facing a large retro leather office chair, lends to the creativity of the company and mix of personalities. The large internal windows and greenery contrast with the striking black walls of the atrium giving it the feel of a Mediterranean courtyard. Dara Huang, Founder of Design Haus Liberty, comments: “We are delighted with AnalogFolk’s new headquarters. It’s so exciting to bring something completely unique and fresh to office design. The project became an experiment in how to use traditional materials from the past to transform the future of the agency’s working environment.”
Bill Brock, Founder and Chief Executive at AnalogFolk, adds: “As a creative company, we strive to deliver an environment for our folks that encourages lateral thinking. The bespoke architecture and design that DHLiberty consistently achieves for us goes beyond standard office fit-outs. It truly creates inspirational spaces which not only make our offices interesting places to spend time, but also inspires our teams and partners to create fantastic experiences for people and brands.”
Design Haus Liberty, founded by Dara Huang, is an award-winning, energetic and forward-thinking architecture and design studio with representation in London, New York and Shanghai. The practice has built a reputation for its creativity in delivering engaging and cutting-edge architecture and interior architecture across all RIBA stages.
Operating across commercial, residential, office, hospitality and leisure sectors, the practice’s international portfolio, teamed with its sophisticated and design-led knowledge, extends to beautiful, light products and installations for unique outcomes.
Design Haus Liberty’s philosophy focuses on drawing from the history, culture and context of each site. Inspired by nature, art and materiality, it has a raw passion for experimenting and mixing both modern and traditional elements.
Described as an artisan with competitive curiosity focused on creating distinctive form, function and space, the result will always be architecture that is special, bold and unique.