1INSTALLATION BY FLEXIFORM

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PROFILE: Refuge opened the world’s first safe house for women and children escaping domestic violence in Chiswick, West London, in 1971. Refuge is committed to a world where domestic violence is not tolerated and where women and children can live in safety. Refuge aims to empower women and children to rebuild their lives, free from violence and fear, providing a range of life-saving and life-changing services.PARTNERSHIP: Single ProjectCONTACT DETAILS: Please call Flexiform on 01274 706206 for contact details.

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CLIENT: RefugeLOCATION: London

PROJECT VALUE: ConfidentialCOMPLETION DATE: 2007

PROJECT LEADS: Nick SaundersWE SUPPLIED: Jot back-to-back desks with acrylic screens, bespoke desks, Jot three-drawer side filers

with blue tops, bespoke kidney-shape desks with modesty panel, breakout furniture, meeting tables

and meeting chairs, flip-top tables, Jot combination storage with hinged doors at top and

drawers underneath

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Working with Fielden and Mawson architects, Flexiform was commissioned to design the new offices for the charity Refuge at St Katherines Way, London.

The office is the HQ of the charity, and also houses its emergency call centre, so great care had to be taken to choose the correct type of furniture for the staff working in all areas of the building.

Given the stressful nature of the charity’s work, emphasis was placed on the provision of breakout and “chill-out” areas, where staff can break away from the workspace, but where they could also reflect and discuss issues and calls during the day.

The general administration furniture is very similar to many offices across the country, as charities need to carry out similar functions to most businesses as well as delivering the services or which they were established. However, the sensitive nature of a charity’s work means that extra considerations regularly need to be made.

Flexiform’s in-house design team and UK-based factory means we are excellently positioned to be

reactive to a client’s needs, as we can design and build bespoke furniture on request. Refuge commissioned a bespoke range of desking screens that would maximise space while also ensuring privacy. Flexiform designed a curved, wave-shaped screen that meant staff sharing a desk would not have to sit directly opposite each other, ensuring confidentiality and clarity while taking calls. However, the screens were also low enough to encourage social working and support between fellow staff members.

Colours were chosen across the installation to reflect the charity’s visual brand, and also to create a space that was warm and welcoming as well as being functional and efficient.

Given Refuge’s charity status, great care had to be taken in relation to the cost of the project, and Flexiform ultimately provided an excellent interiors package well beneath the budget allocated to the works.

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Side FilersSide filer storage features a recessed handle, and each unit can either lock individually, or be fitted with collective locking from the top of the unit. Individually locking or locking from the top, six, nine, 12 or 15-inch drawers are available.

Bespoke FurnitureFlexiform’s in-house design team and UK-based factory can provide bespoke products to suit any client’s needs. For Refuge, we provided bespoke desk screens to ensure privacy and confidentiality, essential for the charity’s work.

Breakout FurnitureFlexiform offer an extensive range of breakout furniture, including meeting pods, tables, and informal seating. Breakout furniture is key for offices, giving staff ad-hoc working spaces as well as areas in which to relax.

Flip-Top TablesFlexifom’s flip-top tables are available with three standard leg frames: basic, Prestige and V-range. These practical tables allow easy reconfiguration, creating multifunctional spaces, as well as convenient storage.

Combination StorageJot combination storage combines side filers, hinged-door units and flippers into one unit, allowing various different filing types in the same footprint, and a wide range of internal components.

Meeting TablesThanks to Flexiform’s extensive product range, as well as our strong relationships with our hand-picked suppliers, we can provide meeting tables to suit any client need.

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BradfordFlexiform1392 Leeds RoadBradfordWest YorkshireBD3 7AE

t: 01274 706206f: 01274 665760

LondonFlexiform1st Floor45 Gee StreetLondonEC1V 3RS

t: 0207 226 9955f: 0203 301 0435

ScotlandFlexiformUnit 7 Bloom FarmMain StreetLivingston VillageWest LothianEH54 7AF

t: 01506 417410f: 01274 665760

www.flexiform.co.uk