Metro Office Fit-Out

On arrival to the 5th floor, the open-plan reception area with relaxed seating greets guests and makes a lasting impression. The reception counter was realised in a seamless of Corian surrounds and counter surfaces wrapping bespoke joinery elements, offering contemporary functionality with integrated LED lighting and tech. control panels. Its neutral palette is beautifully tied into the colour scheme across both floors. We used hi spec Egger PerfectSense laminates to create fire-rated wall panelling around the main entrance lobby and coordinated with fire safety curtains to each lift access reveals. The overall design scheme developed by Ply Design utilised Sand Orleans Oak Laminate with multiple grain directions to create a pattern and texture of its own resulting in a visually appealingjigsaw style. All elements were precision manufactured at our factory using a 5-axis CNC router. Before on site installation, our workshop joinery team dry fit a mock-up of the panels at our workshop to ensure a precise fit on site at Metro Building.

The suspended ceiling troughs within the reception area followed a uniform design that flowed throughout both floors. Again, the ceiling troughs were produced with Sand Orleans Oak and lined them with 12mm Zintra acoustic to aid acoustic balance and create a acoustically neutral environment. A variety of lighting features included a grid-like formation of globe lights, which provide focal points throughout the open-plan spaces. Where the oak ceiling troughs are absent, the exposed ceilings offer an interesting and unique feature to the office environment.

The primary boardroom is situated in front of the main reception area, discreetly concealed by sheer voile curtains and window manifestations. While it may appear as a straightforward boardroom, it features advanced technology throughout. For example, our joinery team crafted a large, custom-made boardroom table that can be easily split into two pieces. The space can be transformed into two smaller meeting rooms in minutes, with a ceiling hung folding glazed partition system neatly concealed behind a pocket door discreetly incorporated into the fluted wall panelling. The table has built-in conferencing technology and cable management, ensuring functionality while maintaining a sleek appearance in the boardroom.

The Amazon HD Tablet-controlled access system streamlines room booking and security in Metro’s flexible office environment. Each tablet is seamlessly integrated into the Egger laminate wall panelling beside meeting rooms and offices, displaying real-time availability and enabling instant reservations. Users can authenticate access via their membership mobile app, triggering electronic door locks. The system syncs with workplace calendars, manages occupancy via sensors, and automates lighting and HVAC for energy efficiency. Connected via Wi-Fi, it ensures secure cloud-based data storage and remote management. This booking and access solution enhances efficiency, security, and user experience across the workspace.

A bright, open-plan environment provides a stunning space for members to dine, socialise, or hold informal meetings with work colleagues. The vast kitchen dining space has several agile seating options, including low-level modular sofas, casual swivel chairs, comfortable table/chair arrangements, and bar stools overlooking Belfast's city hall.

Equipped with the latest technology and modern amenities, the kitchen and breakout/dining island include a bar fridge, smart coffee machine solutions, hot/cold water font, and multiple waste sorting options to cater for sustainability conscious office users. We manufactured the work surface and large island unit in Corian solid surfacing which features mitred corner detailing for a clean, crisp finish. Constructed with a concealed cantilevered structure to support the island, it offers a minimalist and seamless design. Flush mounted Pop-up sockets and USB ports are hidden within the island, combining form and function. We crafted kitchen units using EggerPerfect Sense for any high-traffic workspace to avoid fingerprint marks. Selected walls and parts of the island unit are adorned with black reeded panelling and integrated LED lighting for added detail.

In the breakout space, we created dual seating pods supported by a hidden cantilevered structure. The metal frame is concealed within the joinery to maintain a seamless, clean aesthetic. Bespoke upholstery offers comfortable banquette seating, while the adjacent walls are lined with Zintraacoustic felt, echoing the ceiling troughs. Like the kitchen, the seating surrounds are constructed from Egger PerfectSense matt black laminate, effectively tying the zones into the overall interior design scheme.

The kitchen on the 4th floor is adjacent to the reception area and is designed to mirror the kitchen on the floor above. Our internal design team collaborated closely with Ply Design to bring the original concept to life. During the design process, we used tools like SolidWorks and AutoCAD to create detailed and accurate models for both design development and construction processes.

This, in turn, allowed for efficient manufacturing and ensured the final structure met both aesthetic and functional requirements. The design features a rib-like framework that provides strength and flexibility. Due to its sheer scale, we manufactured it in 6 modular elements, ensuring durability and ease of assembly. Each component was precision-engineered to interlock seamlessly, realising a versatile and adaptable design.

Crafted in Sand Orleans Oak and upholstered in vertically ribbed vegan leather, our joinery perfected this showstopper piece of furniture before we installed it on site. Finally, lush greenery was appointed in the voids to soften the wooden structure and enhance the overall visual appearance.

Metro Belfast was designed to be more than just a place to work; it also plays a vital role in employee happiness and productivity. Therefore, creating a positive work environment that can assist in well-being, improve creativity and enhance collaboration.

Design and fit-out elements to aid well-being

Natural light and ventilation – Metro possesses floor to ceiling windows allowing plenty of daylight into the space. Focus and energy levels will be boosted with a smart ventilation system installed on both floors.

Acoustics – We introduced a variety of acoustically absorbent materials to the walls and ceilings to maintain balance to the sound levels across both floors. The soft furnishings, upholstered seating and planting also play a role in helping balance out the acoustic environs.

Biophilia – as well as supporting with acoustics, planting and other natural elements such as wood flooring and wall panelling contribute to promoting wellbeing and helping to reduce stress levels.

Ergonomics – All offices at Metro have sit-stand desks and comfortable ergonomically designed office seating so ensure optimal comfort and avoid unnecessary strains.

Breakout/Social Spaces – The open plan areas on both floors are plentiful. Relaxed and spacious areas for socialising and informal collaboration can be found throughout Metro. The calming colour paletteprovides a refreshing scheme for the space.

Metro Belfast stands as a benchmark for modern, flexible workspaces, seamlessly blending functionality, aesthetics, and workplace well-being. Somerville Fit-Out played a pivotal role in delivering this high-spec Cat B fit-out, crafting bespoke joinery solutions that enhance both form and function. From precision-engineered furniture and integrated technology to sustainable and ergonomic design features, every detail was executed to create an inspiring and adaptable work environment. Metro Belfast is more than just an office - it's a dynamic space designed to foster productivity, collaboration, and well-being in the heart of the city.