Client projects: Wärtsilä Finland
The new spaces at the technology centre are flexible and adaptable
The Sustainable Technology Hub is an integrated centre of research, product development and production, located in Vaskiluoto, Vaasa. One of the objectives with the project was to create flexible and adaptable spaces, which would enable teams that had previously worked in different locations to work together more efficiently. Another goal was to create functional spaces to partners such as start-up companies and researchers.
For decades, Wärtsilä’s offices in Vaasa were located in a number of old buildings in the city centre, on a plot that offered no possibilities for further expansion. Since it was no longer possible to transform or expand the existing office spaces to meet the company’s needs, the only viable option was to build new premises. Building in an entirely new location made it possible to work and serve customers normally throughout the construction phase.
“The magnitude of the project, the tight deadline and budget and the simultaneously implemented change in working methods made this project particularly demanding” says Wärtsilä’s Real Estate Manager Tommy Grannas.
"Kinnarps’ professional project team acted as a sparring partner when we were searching for functional solutions for our new office spaces. The successful result shows that Kinnarps managed to find the perfect solutions to meet our needs."
The first floor accommodates several different meeting rooms and lounge spaces. Particular attention was paid to user experience at the design phase to ensure that the spaces would turn out easy and pleasant to use.
The visitor areas are characterised by classic elegance and ease of use. Timeless, high-quality interior design choices make the investment long-lasting and sustainable.
Special attention was paid to sustainability
Wärtsilä had purchased a lot of new furniture for their old offices over the past few years. As it was still in good condition, they wanted make as much use of it as possible also in the new premises, However, the goal was to make stylish, ergonomically functional and modern office spaces available to the staff. This required an inventory of existing items of furniture and their coordination with the new ones in order to create a coherent appearance and functional, flexible and inspiring spaces.
There was no external interior designer involved in the interior design project, as Wärtsilä chose the turnkey service offered by Kinnarps, which included both interior design, the selection of new furniture and coordination of existing furniture.
In addition to the possibility of making use of existing furniture, the fact that the new furniture was made in Scandinavia and contained certified wood material was valued.
“Kinnarps succeeded, even though Wärtsilä presented many changes and schedule-related challenges during the project,” says Grannas. "The cooperation has been really good during the entire project and also after the implementation. Deliveries, schedules and prices – everything worked just as agreed," he adds.
Adaptable spaces for social interaction
Space for various events and groups
The furniture in the event space is easily movable and stackable, so it is easy to adapt and modify the space as needed. It is possible to organise events even for larger groups, as the space can be connected to the adjacent dining area.
Inspiring spaces encourage thought-sharing
The working café allows you to focus on your work alone or engage in social interaction. The space is equipped with a semi-high Alto lounge set and a Vagabond table with castors, which can be moved to the event space if needed and used as a serving table, for instance.
Shared dining room
The large dining area serves both office staff and production workers on a daily basis. You can choose to sit at a more traditional dining table or on a semi-high sofa or a stool, for instance. Outside lunchtime, the large lounge set also doubles as a meeting point.
The Partner Campus offers spaces for working together.
The versatile furnishing is based on a variety of seating arrangements and mobile drawing surfaces that also function as dividers and acoustic elements, such as high-backed Fields sofas and Vibe screens. The collaborative spaces are suitable for both individual and team work, and can accommodate several groups at the same time.
The integrated power sockets in the furniture facilitate working. The rocking stools with castors encourage movement during the working day.
The best three things about the new working environment
Both Wärtsilä’s employees and customers have given positive feedback about the new facilities. The real estate manager is also satisfied with the project and lists the best three features in the new work environment:
1. The flexibility and adaptability of the work environment
2. Good ergonomics
3. The elegant and timeless design of reception and visitor areas
Interested? Start the design of your work environment together with our experts.
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