Removing Barriers – Tax Traders Boutique Office by Material Creative

Filled with individuality and unexpected finishes, Tax Traders Boutique Office removes the barriers of the traditional office with its agile design as Material Creative combines inspirations from residential, hospitality and retail typologies. Providing Tax Traders with a modern office that suits the needs of its employees, Material Creative replaces the generic corporate aesthetic with one of warmth, tactility, colour and light.

From the outset of the project, in 2019, Material Creative planned on introducing a human element into the office spaces – an idea that was accentuated after COVID-19 and the subsequent return to work. Therefore, shaping an office that was flexible and agile while also enabling a flowing space for ideas and information became the principal goal throughout the design process. Inspired by residential and retail environments, Material Creative brought in plush rugs and carpet to provide comfort and depth. A finish of gold-flecked plaster to the walls adds a sparkle that is equally enticing and unlike any traditional office.

Inspired by residential and retail environments, Material Creative brought in plush rugs and carpet to provide comfort and depth.

Upon entry, the main workspace is long and organic in nature, with one end designed to be quieter than the other. As a key element to the floor plan, a bespoke training forum has been created to sit seamlessly in the centre of the workspace as employees and guests easily revolve around it. The training forum – designed for team meetings, training and individual work or a gathering space – is a circular seating arrangement with blush polished plaster render, brass kickplate and velvet cushions. Located at the west end, three large boardrooms are imbued with rich tones and textures, while the furnishings designed by Material Creative – resin formed tables in pale pink with stained timber bases – speak back to the bespoke training forum in the centre. The operable walls can contract and expand, allowing flexibility in how much of the space is used, with glass panels used for scribing and acoustic treatments.

Conveniently positioned about the office, individual acoustic workrooms feature bubble terracotta rubber walls and glazed French doors. These private workstations offer a retreat and private workspace for employees. Then, to the east end of the office, Material Creative has produced a social space that blurs the lines between a hotel bar, cafe and residential kitchen. Characterised by its array of materials and colours, the kitchen features a monolithic marble bar and, above, neon light that glows with an ethereal illumination.

Characterised by its array of materials and colours, the kitchen features a monolithic marble bar and, above, neon light that glows with an ethereal illumination.

Throughout the office is the recurring reference to the Tax Traders ‘X’ logo, which is inscribed on various surfaces and joineries. First seen on the glass doors upon entry, the cabinetry in the kitchen also features custom brass ‘V’ pull handles, which are joined together to form the ‘X’ emblem. Moreover, on the pale blue ceiling a linear blade lighting laid in a ‘V’ pattern has been designed and, lastly, the island leg of the marble bench has been fashioned into a large ‘X’.

Working over two and a half years and through many setbacks, Material Creative has delivered an office that looks to the future of workplaces. From material choices, textures, lighting and bespoke furnishings, Tax Traders Boutique Office becomes a series of contemporary spaces reflecting and responding to the needs of employees and clients alike.