PROJECTS » Element, Edinburgh

THE BRIEF:

Last year, Element Materials Technology (Element) officially opened its new European Global Business Services (GBS) centre in Edinburgh, Scotland. The 16,000 sq. ft. facility, more than double the size of Element’s previous office in Newbridge, comfortably accommodates the 150-strong workforce and enhances capacity for customer and colleague support across Europe. Located in the award-winning 1 New Park Square building, the office features state-of-the-art facilities, including collaboration spaces, huddle rooms, and abundant natural light.

Avison Young, who led the design, highlighted the importance of incorporating greenery ahead of the grand office opening. We worked closely with them to deliver a planting scheme on time that blended seamlessly into the vibrant, modern workspace.

THE SOLUTION:

A hybrid approach was adopted, with a mixture of live and artificial planting used. Live planting was strategically placed in several key areas to maximise its impact while artificial elements added complementary touches.

This included:

  • Rows of cabinet-top planters featuring vibrant green plants to create natural partitions between workspaces while maintaining openness.
  • A central curved planting station in the breakout space adorned with a variety of lush, live plants. The broad green leaves and varied textures created a biophilic focal point, enhancing the relaxed, collaborative atmosphere.
  • Pillar planting with trailing foliage that softened structural elements in the seating area.
  • Integrated storage planting within modular units, featuring air-purifying live plants and trailing species. This added greenery in practical, space-efficient ways.
  • A framed artificial green wall, visible in the breakout area, adds a striking vertical element that brings texture and colour to the space. This low-maintenance feature provides a consistent, polished look, complementing the natural tones of the surrounding wood finishes.

We have continued maintaining the plants here, ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant and that Element always makes the right impression on colleagues, clients, and visitors alike.

THE RESULTS:

The completed office was unveiled at Element’s grand opening on 26th June 2024, with over 200 colleagues and guests in attendance.

Despite tight timescales, the planting was delivered and installed on time, ensuring the space was ready to impress at the launch event. The planting displays, including the cabinet-top installations, provided a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere, perfectly complementing the cutting-edge facilities within the 1 New Park Square building.

“We’re very happy to have collaborated with Benholm on another successful office project. The team are very helpful and knowledgeable which was key in translating the design vision to reality and the integration of planting throughout this office has been a key component in creating a beautiful space to work. We look forward to working with Benholm again on future projects.”

Afton Montgomery, Avison Young

At Benholm, we help to enhance the reputation of the interior designers and architects we work with by achieving the best possible result for their clients.

We offer a range of rental, purchase and maintenance options tailored to fit your client’s space, style, and budget.

Get in touch for a free, tailored quote today: 01324 861300 / mail@benholm.com

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