Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: A Dual-Purpose Office Space

Teodora Panayotova and Max Baklayan's Innovative Design for Tavex's New HQ

The office space, located in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a remarkable blend of work and play. The designers have ingeniously divided the space into two distinct areas, each serving a different purpose. During the day, the office exudes a sense of trust, stability, and credibility, while in the evening, it transforms into an exclusive event venue, offering a place for employees to unwind and bond.

The design of the office is unique, with a 6-meter island bar/kitchen dressed in black marble, tall ceilings, Persian rugs, and evergreen plants. The top level consists of two balconies, with 12 rooms in total, including a large conference room, three fully-equipped meeting rooms, and eight offices. The office also features a training zone and a large common area with a custom kitchen, giant bar, and a relaxation zone.

Industrial minimalist design elements like polished concrete, marble imitation, OSB panels, metal rails, and Persian rugs create a break from the routine. The office is fitted with custom work-time lights that create an invisible rift between the workspaces, allowing employees to isolate yet still be a part of the environment.

The design project, which started in February 2020 and finished in July 2020, was a challenge for the designers. They had to top Tavex's previous corporate office, which had won two "Interior of the Year" awards. The designers used the 'Design thinking' method to solve the main problem of accommodating all the employees while maintaining the overall airy feel of the space.

The result is a space that is not only functional and convenient but also encourages a free flow of ideas. The office has won the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2022, a testament to the designers' creativity and innovation.