Following the success of their first collaboration, which earned prestigious international accolades – including the IDPA Japan and DNA Paris awards – Fresha has once again invited SAAN Architects to work with them. The new headquarters will build on the concepts established in the previous project, addressing the practical needs of modern office work. The architects continue the brand’s distinctive language, based on colour and dynamism, translating it into a multifunctional space that combines aesthetics with functionality – as well as plenty of greenery and natural materials.
The approach to office space design has undergone significant changes in recent years. Contemporary designs are increasingly moving away from rigid, single-purpose layouts in favour of a flexible working environment that combines various usage scenarios – individual work, teamwork, informal meetings, relaxation or even social functions. This is undoubtedly a result of the pandemic and the rise of the hybrid working model.
This trend is well understood by the architects at SAAN, whose first project for Fresha, a company developing software for beauty salons, was very well received, winning major international awards (IDPA Japan Design Award, DNA Paris Design Awards). The project stood out for its harmonious blend of functionality with elements of biophilic design – fresh greenery, natural light and natural materials. In this spirit, the Fresha office has become an example of a modern, multi-zone workspace where a distinctive visual language goes hand in hand with a focus on employee wellbeing, in line with current trends.
SAAN Architects’ second project represents a natural evolution of this approach – featuring vibrant colours and gradients, an abundance of wood, whilst conveying a sense of lightness and freshness.
Reception
The space into which the office opens has been designed as a kind of showcase, in a modern yet welcoming style. The central feature is a minimalist reception desk combined with natural wood, which adds warmth to the interior. The dark purple and gradient transitions on the wall, which reference the brand identity, convey a sense of energy whilst also offering an intimate warmth – particularly in the waiting area. The space, featuring soft sofas, armchairs with distinctive forms and coffee tables, creates a comfortable and welcoming environment. This impression is enhanced by the organic forms of the ceiling lighting and hanging plants, which give the interior a ‘living’ feel. This is not a classic corporate reception area – rather, it is a modern lounge designed to foster a positive first impression and build relationships.
Kitchen and dining room
By design, an office kitchen is a place for breaks and meetings, but it is often treated purely as a functional space. In the Fresha 2.0 design, the kitchen area is not just a functional facility, but a central hub for staff interaction.
The layout, based on large communal tables and high islands, encourages spontaneous meetings and informal conversations. The heart of this part of the office is the Coffee Point – with its prominently displayed units, open shelves and fresh greenery hanging over the worktop. The lighter colour scheme, plenty of open, semi-transparent surfaces and abundant greenery bring to mind a modern café – a place for meetings, conversations and work, as well as a cosy spot to relax. The dining area flows seamlessly into the kitchen, which is why the zone serves multiple functions simultaneously, meeting the needs of a modern hybrid office.
Open-plan
This is an office space that often poses a major challenge – how to reconcile the speed of information flow and effective collaboration with concentration and a sense of privacy? The architects at SAAN have proposed a structured and clear layout of desks, broken up by an abundance of greenery and soft partitions. Plants – in the form of pots as well as larger installations – act as natural dividers, positively influencing acoustics and creating a more welcoming working atmosphere. Semi-open zones – such as telephone booths – provide a solution that balances the efficiency of teamwork with individual comfort. The whole space is kept in a light, natural colour scheme (wood, white, grey), broken up by colour accents that are consistent with the rest of the office.
Conference area
Typical conference rooms are often technical and lacking in character. The SAAN design envisages a more representative space. The conference room for 9–10 people combines functionality with a distinctive character. Warm shades of rust, orange and wood create a professional yet friendly atmosphere. The central table is surrounded by comfortable swivel chairs, whilst the acoustic wall finishes and geometric ceiling add rhythm to the interior. Plants, built-in shelves and decorative lighting soften the formality, making meetings more comfortable and less stiff.
Meeting rooms
The smaller meeting rooms have been designed for working in small groups and one-to-one discussions. Light colours and simple forms promote concentration, whilst the glazing lets in natural light whilst maintaining privacy. The compact yet comfortable interiors allow the team to communicate efficiently on a daily basis, without the need to book a large conference room.
Bathrooms
The bathroom area has been designed in the same modern style as the rest of the office, with an emphasis on durability and ease of cleaning. The materials are durable and neutral in colour, but there are subtle dark blue accents found in other parts of the office, accompanied by refined details. The space is open, ergonomic and well-lit, ensuring a comfortable working environment.
Large conference room
Larger meeting and presentation spaces have been designed to be as flexible as possible. They can serve as venues for workshops, team meetings and corporate events. Technical solutions and the ability to adapt the space to different needs play a key role here. An abundance of natural greenery, a light and airy layout, and natural light ensure that the large conference room remains consistent with the rest of the office. It is a space that will foster collaboration, bring the team together, and support the organisation’s growth.
Fresha 2.0 is an office where every space combines functionality with a focus on the comfort and well-being of employees. From the reception area to the conference rooms and smaller meeting spaces, the design takes into account the diverse needs of modern work. Natural materials, light colours, plenty of natural light and greenery bring a sense of lightness, aid concentration and create a friendly atmosphere.
This latest SAAN project for Fresh clearly demonstrates how changing ways of working are shaping the modern office and its spaces – previously considered resistant to change.
More information: SAAN architects
source: press materials
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