Deloitte Bratislava office | iO Partners s.r.o.

Martin Nagy, Architect iO Partners Slovakia
 
Our goal was to create premises that combine aesthetics with functionality, where every detail is carefully thought out reflecting the client’s visions and values, and to create a symbiosis between modernity and natural elements, and achieve a new standard of quality.
Despite the need to optimise the area and a changed number of workplaces, we succeeded in maintaining the comfort of employees, which was one of the biggest challenges of the project. The premises have a fixed structure, while offering the flexibility of sharing, which enhances communication and cooperation between employees. Acoustic panels and curtains provide visual aesthetics and acoustic comfort.
We have taken into account our client’s requirements regarding greenery and sustainability. Functional furniture from the former office was refurbished and reused in the new premises. Green and natural elements are complemented by muted earthy colours, and together they create a cosy atmosphere in harmony with nature.
Floors in the common areas are decorated with microcement, to give a modern industrial look. Exposed ceilings and designer lighting fixtures create a unique atmosphere, and a special biodynamic lighting system changes the light intensity and colour during the day.
Two terraces provide space for relaxation and client meetings, enhancing comfort and interaction in the office.
 
Maukš – Interior Design Studio
 
Deloitte’s new HQ is inspired by nature and its organic shapes – the circle, arch, and curve.
The concept’s creators believed that in the heavily urbanised built-up area of a business centre location, it was essential to use harmonising biophilic elements in the interior design. And we fully agreed with this idea. 
We selected the materials, and decided on the composition of colours and textures, and the design details of atypical elements of furniture to ensure every detail of the concept which the users (employees) come into contact with on a daily basis was refined to the maximum extent possible.
 
Shapes and Textures / Biophilia
The dominant monolithic mass in the client reception area is a reference to Deloitte’s DNA. It symbolises stability and presents the company as a responsible reliable partner with strong values, which is able to perceive and set current trends.
The rounded sculptural shape of the reception desk with a toned coating forms a compact whole with the ceiling. A lighting fixture in the shape of an irregular ephemeral curve hangs in the air near the reception ceiling. The entire mass of the reception and its background is delineated by a continuous linear lighting fixture which, like all biodynamic lighting systems, changes the light intensity and colour during the day.
The dynamic curve of the stairs at the client reception leads through a connecting corridor to the social area, terraces and the next wing.
The microterrazzo used on the stairs is a practical surface material, ideal for biomorphic shapes.
The parquet vinyl flooring in the social and client areas evokes the feeling of comfort at home.
 
The custom-made minimalist furniture has an ergonomic, clean design for intuitive use. The well-thought-out interior layout maximises the practical use of the storage space to 100%. 
The composition of storage furniture standing separately in space features supporting columns and an eccentrically positioned horizontal mass. The oval-shaped furniture hangs above the floor supported by tiny legs.
Decorative pendant lights have been selected to bring biophilic elements to the interior: stylised abstract shapes of leaves and bubbles, recollections of fireflies on a midsummer night, and original lighting fixtures made of hand-bent ash veneer by Slovak designer, Michal Hanula, located above a catering table in the client area. 
The biophilic elements are complemented by an original floral decor, which was cut into the acoustic panel on the reception wall. The carpet decor in meeting rooms evokes the tranquil sand paths of Zen gardens.
The emphasis on eco-friendliness and the intention to reuse office furniture have been reflected in an original solution. Meeting and conference tables have been refurbished to fit new premises. Lounge seating furniture has been reupholstered with new fabrics and high quality office chairs have been tested, cleaned and adjusted piece by piece. We have recycled almost 80% of the original furniture. The office also has a network of easily accessible built-in waste separation stations. Naturally, we used energy saving batteries and light bulbs.
 
Colour
We worked with a light neutral palette of natural colours, which are almost monochromatic in some areas. 
Exposed ceilings, furniture and acoustic hanging clouds in work areas are mainly white and grey, making the space bright and airy.
The rich earthy colour of the exposed ceilings in social and client areas provides a contrast. This gives the required interior depth and visual balance. The neutral earthy colour palette contrasts with the rich lush vibrant colour of interior greenery. The decorative large-leaved plants attract attention thanks to their positioning. The large mirror installed on the wall in the social area makes it look bigger and reflects the partition covered by climbing plants.
Our design includes a number of smart solutions. A single electronic card is used to enter the office, lifts and garage, to open lockers and to use printers. All meeting rooms are equipped with a booking system and modern video conference technology. 
 
Conclusion
The office has panoramic views of the castle, Kamzík, the hustle and bustle of the Apollo Bridge in the distance, and the relaxing meditative rhythm of boats cruising the Danube can be heard.
We believe the new sophisticated quiet luxury interior design with neutral colours and calming rounded shapes will assist the daily work routine of Deloitte employees, and evoke a feeling of ease and optimism.

 Photos by Diana Kakara Dobrescu

Realization Team:

iO Partners s.r.o. / Martin Nagy, Michal Oparty

MAUKS Interior design studio / Mira Maukš, Peter Maukš

Deloitte team / Alexandra Gajdosechová, Ivana Lorencovičová