Benjamin Hubert’s studio Layer has lined its new London warehouse offices with coloured display boxes that frame elements from recent projects. The design studio recently relocated its premises to a 3,500-square-foot warehouse in Hackney, east London. When planning the studio space, Hubert was keen to create a flexible environment that suited the 20-person-strong team, which is made up of researchers, engineers and industrial, graphic and digital designers.
He also wanted the work Layer has completed over the years to be showcased, with the colour and style choices clearly reflecting the studio’s brand identity. The entrance to the studio is fronted by a black stained-oak door complete with glossy signage. This leads through to the main breakout space, where Layer’s acoustic dividers can be arranged to accommodate different working needs.
Also in this room, circular tables are surrounded by Pair chairs that the studio designed for Fritz Hansen, and wall-mounted coloured boxes display new products to visitors and clients. A warmer material palette of oak and soft grey was used to differentiate the staff kitchen and dining area, which is lit by the studio’s Spinning lights. Industrial shelving storing and displaying scale models, materials, and production samples is used to split up the breakout space and main studio.
More samples, materials and experiments are displayed on the end wall of the main studio space on old converted shop fittings. These displays are intended to keep the team inspired. “The interior has been designed to inspire the team, with a constantly evolving display of work, samples and research showcased within the interior architecture,” said Hubert. “Exposed tech cabling throughout the entire studio gives the interior a raw and honest expression,” he continued.”
“It also allows the studio to remain flexible by facilitating the easy expansion of desks as the team grows.” Hubert relaunched his company as Layer in September 2015. The studio has since designed a charity collection box for Maggie’s, a concept wearable that could track individual carbon footprints and a 3D-printed wheelchair.
Design: Benjamin Hubert’s studio Layer