Marlin Equity

Client overview:

Marlin Equity Partners, a global private equity firm, relocated from central London to a 14,000 sq ft office in the heart of London's West End. The move was driven by the need to create a space that reflected their forward-thinking culture, supported evolving work styles, and fostered a productive environment. The new office required open, collaborative areas, social spaces, and a welcoming yet professional aesthetic.

The Brief

Marlin Equity Partners requested a minimalist design that would prioritise natural elements and create a balance between form and function. They wanted a workspace that offered flexibility for various work styles, from private, focused work to larger, collaborative areas. Additionally, the inclusion of biophilic design, with extensive greenery and natural elements, was key to fostering a sense of calm and well-being throughout the space.

What we did

We played a significant role in integrating biophilic elements into key areas of the office. Starting with the reception area, we installed a large, lush 7.15m wide by 2.2m high green wall, immediately setting the tone for the space. Around the reception, we incorporated tapered grey wash planters featuring plants such as Aspidistra, Sansevieria Laurentii, and Philodendron Scandens, which created a calming, inviting atmosphere.

The boardroom was enhanced with a Schefflera Arboricola Compacta in a grey wash planter, which stood approximately 1.9m tall, creating a stunning focal point that complemented the minimalist design.

The social spaces, such as the kitchen and breakout areas, were designed to encourage informal interaction. We included custom trough planters in these areas, filled with Strelitzia Nicolai, Aspidistra, Dracaena Janet Craig, and Aglaonema Maria, which softened the industrial feel of the ceiling features. Above the bar area, we suspended customer-supplied ceiling planters filled with replica plants such as Pothos, Ivy, and Ferns, which introduced greenery without the need for ongoing maintenance. The seating areas featured bold Ficus Lyrata and Ficus Elastica, offering a vibrant, natural aesthetic next to the soft, contemporary furniture.

One of the standout features in the collaborative lounge area is the shelving unit with integrated planters, where feature plants like Aspidistra and Philodendron added texture and depth. This planting, paired with the plush green sofas, created a warm and visually dynamic space, ideal for informal meetings or relaxation.

Across the open office spaces, 30 ceiling mesh tiles were suspended and planted with realistic replica plants, ensuring the office maintained a strong connection to nature without overwhelming the minimalist design. These were complemented by planters across workstations and other seating areas, filled with a mix of Sansevieria Laurentii, Aspidistra, Scindapsus, and Philodendron, ensuring consistency in the aesthetic across the entire space.

In the sublet tenant spaces, we echoed the biophilic themes of the main office by installing planters and greenery throughout. Tapered planters with Aspidistra, Sansevieria Laurentii, and Philodendron Scandens provided cohesion, ensuring that every corner of the office remained connected to the overall design.

Challenges:

One of the challenges with this project, was the location of the freestanding internal living wall in reception. As it didn't have much natural light, we had to work closely with the main and MEP contractors to ensure the correct auxiliary lighting was installed to ensure the plants not only survived, but thrived.

Outcome and feedback:

The new office was a resounding success, with the design delivering on every level. The use of biophilic elements helped create an environment that promoted both focus and relaxation, improving overall employee well-being. The green wall in the reception and the lush planters throughout the space created an immediate connection to nature, while flexible workspaces allowed employees to work comfortably in a variety of settings. The client was particularly pleased with how the biophilic design softened the minimalist aesthetic, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The feedback from employees highlighted how the combination of natural light, greenery, and well-thought-out spaces had improved both productivity and morale.

We carry out regular maintenance for Marlin Equity, and have recently installed further planting to keep the scheme living and evolving.