In line with the electronics and IT accessory trading company’s quest to reinvent its corporate identity as a modern dynamic brand, its head office in Bangkok was also revamped into a homey, yet energised workspace.
As the building is located in a prime rental office area with 19 other ‘typical-looking’ commercial buildings, the design renewal process aimed to add a personalised and distinct character to the company’s head office and potentially attract and inspire the new generation, not just via The project not only aims to enhance the building’s aesthetics but also the motivation and quality of life of the employees.
IN AND OUT
The interior design focused on colour, shape, and floor plan to express the character of each group zone. An in-depth analysis of the organisation and its departments was done before the allocating different spaces and sections to facilitate design consistency and conformity.
Blue, the company colour, was selected to lead the overall design, with a mix of red, yellow, orange and green to infuse a lively, fun and cheerful character to the office. The colours also serve to identify the function of each building section—such as learning centre, library or canteen—as well as a floor indicator.
The exterior renovations focused on expressing the corporate identity. D, the company’s initial, is inserted into the building’s aluminium façade panel (using matte sticker sheets) but is only visible from the side angles—disappearing from view when one is looking straight at the building. This silence dynamic technique adds a notion of motion to the building from different perspectives.
The white aluminium louvres at the façade are assembled diagonally to reflect the dynamic character of the enterprise. The continuous louvres also create a smooth skin as there are no blocking frames between each floor. Aluminium is the best material for this purpose as it is lightweight and easy to install.
The blue cantilever panel at the entrance is made of aluminium composite and enhances the elegance of the building.
Feng shui elements have also been blended into the design theme, with the inclusion of a pond and garden in front of the building and the use of the colour brown in the back office, which symbolises wealth of the earth.
Some of the challenges faced include the height of the floor and beam installation, as well as the complex M&E system, which had to be installed within a tight 10-month construction timeline. Quick solutions were required to address the different unexpected problems that arose during the construction process.
PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Dplus Intertrade Head Office
Location: Yanawa, Bangkok, Thailand
Completion Date: 2017
Site Area: 1,600 square metres
Building Height: 5 storeys
Client/Owner: Dplus Intertrade Co, Ltd
Architecture Firm: Pure Architect Co, Ltd
Principal Architect: Kiengkiat Chuenterawong
Coordinating Architect: Pimonphan Kinkul
Interior Design Firm: Pure Architect Co, Ltd
Civil & Structural Engineer: Teerayut Surasakchalothon
Quantity Surveyor: WQS Co Ltd
Main Contractor: Perfect Leaf Decorate and Construction Co, Ltd
Interior Fit-Out Contractor: Perfect Leaf Decorate and Construction Co, Ltd
Images: Chaovarith Poonphol
