The digital agency Superheroes, has been growing on the back of some viral hits such as this and this. Requiring room for new sidekicks and their cape collection, they found a fantastic light-filled space for their new hideout. However, a short lease of three years dictated a budget that was one-quarter of what would typically be allocated for a low-cost fit-out. In other words, their budget was enough to cover 120 m2 of their 480-m2 studio.

Carpet bomb or targeted strike. Our approach developed our client’s wishes, visual expression and construction method in unison. We accepted that corners create character Locating three much-needed meeting rooms in the corners of the large open space, we introduced flexible areas in-between for the myriad tasks that defy description in studio work environments: the casual chat, quick review or private phone call.

The search for a strong expression and cheap construction method led us to OSB (oriented strand board) and a CNC machine. We cut 100 sheets using 21-century technology, yet assembled them as if it was the Middle Ages; pine dowels join each of the custom-made frames for the meeting rooms, as well as most of the furniture. Double-glazed windows fit within each frame and are also held together with wooden dowels. Only a handful of screws have been used in the entire project, which has been built to be disassembled should the team relocate in a few years.

Fifty hanging plants, along with movable whiteboards and storage units, divide the space into project areas. A long table under the central atrium is the focus of the studio. Here, a stage curtain offers a range of ways to use the space, from dividing one side from the other to a creating a completely enclosed meeting room. The studio adopts a simple clean expression using elements of Superheroes’ own identity. For us, however, the real lesson from this project was how to retain rigour while stretching a budget.

design by Simon Bush-king Architecture
photography by Alan Jensen

http://www.simonbushking.com/filter/All%20Projects/Superheroes-Secret-Hideout