12 Projects of Christmas: Zalando

Converting industrial units into a modern office should embrace the building’s past – stone gable walls, exposed blockwork and steel trusses – while delivering the facilities that the modern workplace demands.

The fit-out at 3 Grand Canal Quay in Dublin for Zalando delivers on all these aspects, emphasising some of the most beautiful features of this 19th century building while also providing the 21st century workplace that the client needed, with no compromise

FKM were engaged by Zalando to design and fit out their new office space at 3 Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2.

The space inherited was a warehouse which was refurbished from a dilapidated state to a design canvas for a modern office space that would compliment the previous Zalando office designed by the FKM Group at ‘The Warehouse’ Barrow Street in 2014

The planning for the project started approximately 2 years ago with the fit out of Zalando’s previous home in Barrow Street.  knowing a move was imminent, all materials purchased for their previous project were transferable to ensure best value and sustainability for the dual projects. All furniture, acoustic treatments and accessories were pre-determined some time ago for future use in 3 Grand Canal Quay.

Their in-house services design was carefully coordinated to deliver high-end air conditioning, fresh air, lighting and security to the floor plate with ducting, cable tray and services exposed, but without diminishing any of the aesthetic of the prominent steel trusses.

Sustainability was a key consideration in the project, with all materials re-used from the 2014 fit out, recycled & recyclable floor finishes, acoustic treatments composed of recycled material and furniture all chosen due to their fully recyclable characteristics.  LED lighting was utilised throughout to enhance the green efficiencies of the building.

The design team wished to embrace the Zalando branding with the design which was key in the client brief. With the assistance of their furniture providers, Farrell Office Furniture, FKM designed and utilised a prototype height adjustable desking which  proved to cost a fraction of the price of commonly know branded workbenches. The workstation design also included a gable in a sweeping design which would compliment the form of the Zalando logo, a ladies footprint.

These minor touches about the floor plate have proven to be a client favourite in the final delivery of the project.