Project Spotlight Courtesy of Interface
PUTTING THE PLANET FIRST AT KOBA WORKSPACE IN MANCHESTER
100 Barbirolli Square is a striking addition to Manchester’s commercial property stock, offering 200,000 sq. ft of premium Grade A office space across 10 floors. With its reflective glass and stone facade, the building is a prime hub for businesses looking for a centrally located, high-performance workspace.
Recognising its potential, flexible workspace provider Koba secured the ground and first floors of the site. Koba was committed to integrating sustainability at each stage of the fit-out process, ensuring that the entire project was in line with its own sustainability manifesto which promotes a circular business model and a commitment to providing transparent performance data. To achieve its goal, Koba called on low-carbon office fit-out specialist Cast Interiors who collaborated with global flooring manufacturer Interface to create a workspace that would live up to the brand.
Commenting on the fit-out of Koba’s space, Ashleigh Rhodes, interior designer at Cast Interiors, said: “100 Barbirolli Square is an exciting site, and to achieve our plans for the space, it was key we collaborated with responsible suppliers who shared our client’s values. We’ve always respected Interface’s transparency and genuine commitment to tackling the climate crisis, so working with them was a no-brainer for a design brief that had sustainability at its core.”
Blending style with functionality
At the entrance, visitors step into a reception area that seamlessly transitions into an open-plan office space. Understanding the demands of high-traffic environments, Interface’s Concept Design Team recommended solutions that combine durability with contemporary style.
The Level Set™ luxury vinyl tile (LVT) range’s Textured Stone collection in shade ‘Polished Cement’ was chosen for the central working areas and reception spaces helping bring geographic elements and the feeling of nature into the building. Engineered for resilience, all of Interface’s LVT collections are equipped with the manufacturer’s unique Ceramor™ UV stabilised, ceramic bead coating, offering superior protection against scuffs and scratches.
Embedding sustainability at every level
Cast Interiors prioritised a locally sourced approach, incorporating UK-made and reclaimed furnishings from Manchester, Yorkshire and Lancashire. Boardroom tables and desks were crafted from locally sourced wood, while offcuts were repurposed throughout kitchens and tea points to minimise waste.
“Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the product specification process, influencing everything from furnishings to finishes,” said Amina Syed, account manager at Interface. “This aligns with our focus and portfolio at Interface. For example, all our carpet tiles, including those used on this project, come with our carbon negative CQuest™Bio backing which is the standard backing for our carpet tiles, creating impact at scale as part of our commitment to lowering our carbon emissions and aligning with the project’s low-carbon ambitions.”
To complement the design, the Concept Design Team specified the Connected Ethos™ carpet tiles in the cool grey ‘Connect’ finish throughout the connecting corridors. Inspired by nature, the collection is non-directional and biophilic inspired, with a colour palette that reflects landscapes from grasslands to coastal environments. The subtle grey shade was chosen for its ability to conceal wear and tear while reinforcing the workspace’s focus on biophilic design.
Meeting rooms incorporated the light-green shade ‘Uncover’ from the same collection, intentionally paired with oak boardroom tables to evoke the feeling of ‘grass’ beneath the wooden desks, for a nod to the material’s woodland origin.
Beyond materials, the space itself tells a sustainability story. Digital displays throughout the office showcase the project’s localised and eco-conscious choices, reinforcing Koba’s commitment to responsible design. Even decorative elements were carefully considered, with real and dried flowers used to enhance the natural aesthetic.
Putting a Koba stamp on it
While sustainability was a top priority, Koba also wanted to ensure the 100 Barbirolli Square site reflected its own neutral, minimalist branding. To deliver on this, Cast Interiors introduced Interface’s Past Forward™ carpet tile collection in colour ‘Clay’ for break-out and seating areas. Inspired by mid-century modern design, the neutral shades of these tiles blend nostalgic influencers with modern finishes, adding warmth and depth to the space whilst providing a subtle nod to Koba’s branding.
Strategic zoning was another key consideration. The carpet tiles were used to define informal break-out areas, while collapsible partition walls allowed for adaptable layouts, so the workspace could flex to its occupants’ requirements.
Reflecting on the fit-out, Amina said: “It was great to work alongside Cast Interiors to provide Koba with a space that would support its long-term ambitions at the new Manchester site. Their dedication to sustainability and responsible sourcing aligns perfectly with our own approach to design and we’re so proud to have helped bring Koba’s low-carbon office space to life.