CLIENT
Sixteen Real Estate & Custodian Capital
DESIGN
Jolie Studio
LOCATION
Manchester, UK
COMPLETED
2023
When commissioned to redesign the 60 Fountain Street building in central Manchester, interior designers Jolie Studio sought to shift residents’ perceptions of what a modern workplace can be. The refurbished five-storey building breaks away from the formulas of traditional office design and instead offers a space that is comfortable, inviting and highly social, introducing the aesthetic of high-end hotels to the world of work.
The Furniture Practice was appointed to specify furniture whose design values and quality would match this holistic vision for contemporary work, and which would place the comfort of tenants and their guests above all else.
As remote technology reshapes work patterns, professionals increasingly expect spaces that feel comfortable, social, and domestic. At 60 Fountain Street, Jolie Studio aimed to create a contemporary environment with a homely tone, placing social areas and amenities at the forefront. The refurbished five-storey building breaks from traditional office design, offering an inviting atmosphere that incorporates a high-end hotel aesthetic.
The Furniture Practice was appointed to specify furniture that aligns with this holistic, tenant-centred vision of modern work, prioritising both comfort and quality. To enhance this shift, the project features a palette of soft yellows, gentle blues, and rich browns, complemented by natural materials like limestone and warm timber.
The building’s 'Tenants Club' terrace offers a flexible communal space where tenants can entertain high-value clients and provides a venue for wellbeing-focused activities such as yoga. Elsewhere, the building combines dedicated working spaces with numerous bar and recreation areas, encouraging greater collaboration and cross-pollination throughout the development.
To align with this vision, The Furniture Practice specified design-led pieces creating an ambience that is simultaneously exclusive and inviting, a perfect match for the building’s elevated tenants.
With more options than ever for remote work, 60 Fountain Street aimed to create an atmosphere that adds real value for tenants. To achieve this, Jolie Studio focused on enhancing the physical experience of the space through sensory zoning, colour theory, and soundscaping, cultivating a caring and welcoming environment that transcends mere visual identity.
When selecting the furniture, we emphasised tactility, transforming the building’s aesthetic with pieces that would feel equally at home in a members’ club, making the space a desirable destination for productive work.
