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Lipton:

social infusion

2023 - Warsaw

WORKPLACE

Details

For Lipton, the transition from a shared coworking space to their first independent headquarters marked a defining moment of autonomy. Following their separation from Unilever, the brand needed a home that would not just house employees but embody their philosophy. We designed "Social Infusion" — a workspace inspired by the brewing process itself. By prioritising regenerative design and organic aesthetics over standard corporate tropes, we created a regenerative, sensory-rich environment that nurtures creativity and feels less like an office and more like a home.

900

Square meters of area

Months of work

A New Independence

The project was driven by a significant structural change: Lipton, a global leader housing brands like Pukka, T2, PG Tips, and Tazo, moved to establish its first independent headquarters in Poland. This shift represented a symbolic separation from Unilever and a departure from the generic environment of coworking spaces. The goal was to create a dedicated "meeting place" exclusively for their team—a tangible expression of altruism that fosters a culture of mutual trust and openness.

Empathy as a driver

The design process was rooted in a deep understanding of the client’s human-centric approach. We recognised that behind the brand are people with immense creativity and passion. Consequently, the new headquarters was envisioned not merely as a place of production, but as a sanctuary. In a world of increasing distraction, Lipton aimed to provide a space that facilitates genuine regeneration, encouraging employees to return to the office by offering an environment that feels as supportive and comfortable as a home.

Three degrees of infusion

The architectural concept, "Social Infusion," directly references the brand’s core product. We translated the tea-brewing process — the richness of colours, the intensity of flavours and infusion — into a functional zoning strategy. The office is organised around three distinct atmospheres:

- Light Infusion (White Tea): Characteristic of delicate white tea, this aesthetic defines the zones designed for deep focus, silence, and concentration.

- Medium Infusion (Oolong): Reflecting the balance of oolong, this intensity was transformed into aesthetics that foster creativity and dynamic collaboration.

- Strong Infusion (Pu-erh): Drawing from the deep, rich tones of pu-erh, these intense zones define the social areas and serve as a bold hallmark for visitors.

The tea laboratory

The office functions as a cohesive ecosystem centred around the product. The heart of the workspace is the Tea Point and a specialised Tea Laboratory. Far more than a standard kitchen, this is a collaborative zone where the team connects and where new tea flavours are actually developed and tested.

The ergonomics of choice

The office ecosystem is designed to adapt to the specific task at hand, moving away from rigid seating assignments. We addressed the diverse needs of the team by providing a variety of ergonomic settings: employees can choose to work in solitude or in groups, at standard desks, or in comfortable soft seating areas.

Enhancing focus

This flexibility allows for full freedom and physical comfort, ensuring that the environment supports rather than dictates the workflow. By offering choices that range from focused silence to active socialisation, the design enhances efficiency and creates the optimal conditions for problem-solving and creativity.

Energy through movement

The philosophy of choice extends to physical vitality. We recognised that for many, mental focus is inextricably linked to physical movement. To support these energetic work styles, the workspace integrates active design elements that encourage mobility. These features offer a stimulating alternative to sedentary routines, allowing team members to maintain their physical well-being and recharge their energy levels throughout the day.

The colors of nature

The visual language of the project is defined by a rigorous adherence to naturalness. We made a conscious decision to eliminate pure black and white from the colour palette, as these do not exist in the natural world. Instead, the interior utilises a spectrum of organic tones: subtle greens and mints, grounded by beiges and browns, and enriched with deep reddish-browns and sunny yellows.

Sensory softness

This warm, enveloping palette is complemented by soft architectural forms and tactile materials. The design emphasises comfort through details such as acoustic curtains that manipulate light and sound, creating a soothing atmosphere that reduces cognitive load.

Biophilic integration

To support the goal of regeneration, the workspace maximises contact with nature. The layout includes diverse greenery and extends to an outdoor terrace planted with scented fruit bushes to provide an olfactory experience. This holistic approach ensures the office serves the diverse needs of the team — from isolation to socialisation — proving that a workplace can be a source of energy rather than just a place of expenditure.