Sector: Education – University
Location: Oxford
Reason/Aim of the Project:
We were thrilled to partner with our client on another exciting project — transforming three key areas of their building: the Ground Floor Atrium, Canteen, and Internal Balcony.
The architecture of this impressive space combines raw concrete blockwork, glass, and black detailing, creating a sleek, industrial aesthetic. From the outset, our brief was clear: to add colour, warmth, and functionality, making these zones vibrant, inviting, and practical for everyday use.
Our Solution
To achieve this, the Elm design team worked closely with our client to develop detailed space plans, colour schemes inspired by the company’s departmental brand colours, and 3D visuals that helped bring the concept to life.
Thanks to the building’s extensive glazing, natural light floods the interiors and provides stunning views of the surrounding greenery. Drawing inspiration from this connection to nature, we sought to extend that sense of calm and wellbeing indoors. As a result, the finished design features natural timber-framed chairs, rustic oak tabletops, and an abundance of freestanding and hanging plants — all known to enhance mood and productivity. Meanwhile, the black metalwork throughout ties the furniture back to the building’s architectural features, ensuring a cohesive and contemporary aesthetic.
Furthermore, the project was efficiently completed in a single-day installation, ensuring minimal disruption to the client’s operations and a smooth delivery process from start to finish.
The Result
Ultimately, the outcome is a series of three beautifully designed spaces that encourage people to connect — whether for a quick touchdown, an informal team meeting, or a relaxed lunch break. These areas not only look great but also promote collaboration, creativity, and wellbeing across the workplace.
Watch the Magic happen…
