Collaboration & flexibility
Collaboration & flexibility
Delivering advanced acoustic glazing for a Big Four firm's agile Edinburgh headquarters.
Client
Collaboration & flexibility
Contractor
Architect
MCM Architecture Limited
Location
North & Scotland
Sector
Commercial
The principle Contractor, GHI Contracts appointed Komfort to assist with the design and refurbishment of one of the largest multinational professional services firm and one of the “Big Four” accounting firm in Scotland.
The client required to move to bigger offices located in the heart of the Edinburgh’s financial district. This move is reflective of their companies continuous business growth.
'Encourage flexibility for activity-based working.'
— Project Architect, Arcadis
- Collaboration & flexibility
Komfort’s Partitioning
To meet this comprehensive brief, Komfort worked in partnership with GHI to design and support with supply and install for all Polar frame works, door frames and glass doors. The aesthetics, deflection and acoustic performance benefits that Komfort’s products offer meant that it was the popular choice for this refurbishment.
Komfort’s Polar collection was used throughout the project. Double glazed Polar’s simplistic method of installation, relocatability and powerful acoustic properties made it an intelligent option for this fit-out. The dry bubble joint and to offer a discrete glass to glass meeting style, and framework of double glazed Polar combines contemporary aesthetics, elegance and durability. Whilst, Polar single glazed minimalist form is designed with the minimum of components, thus facilitated speed of erection without compromising structural stability and rigidity. The patented bubble joint ensured a virtually frameless system with no vertical posts between modules, corners or three-way junctions. Deflection heads +/- 25mm were used for both Polar single and double glazed partitions.
Additionally, the Sonik collection provided enhanced acoustic performance whilst also creating an open-plan modern feel.
§02 — Specification
Komfort Systems
Three Komfort systems, calibrated to a single architectural language: gold steel, acoustic glass, and integrity ratings that disappear into the building.
01
DEF—EI30
Defence EI Fire Screens
with Applied Bars
Single-glazed steel-framed screens dividing teaching wings from circulation. Slim sightlines, high-spec gold RAL.
02
DEF—EI60
Polar 100
Double Glazed Partitioning
Double-glazed system protecting protected escape routes. Specified to BS EN 1364-1, full third-party certified.
03
POL—100
Sonik Doors
Double-glazed, 100mm cavity
Numbers, held quietly behind the glass.
Collaboration & flexibility
′
Fire integrity rating
EI60 — minutes
k
Square feet partitioned
Across four floors
%
Polar 100 double-glazed
Acoustic performance
RIBA-shortlisted scheme
Education, 2024
Collaboration & flexibility
Komfort Products Used
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The brief in brief
GHI were contracted to create innovative spaces which incorporated the latest technology, design and environmental standards. Another main requirement was to promote collaborative working. The new offices were to be designed and built around how people work and not where they sit, to encourage flexibility for activity-based working. The intent was that employees will choose where they sit for the day dependent on what task they will be doing, from desk-based working to collaborative ‘zones’ to encourage a proactive sharing of ideas.
The refurbishment included the installation of the very latest Audio-Visual technology, including Microsoft Surface hubs as well as the most up-to-date video conference facilities to enable instant world-wide connectivity.
The End Result
This stunning project is certainly one we are proud to have been so heavily involved with. The client’s new base now provides contemporary offices which promote collaborative and flexible working for the occupants.
We have partnered with GHI Contracts for over 23 years and have proudly seen them grow into one of the UK’s leading principal contractors, as specialists in the fit-out and refurbishment of commercial interiors. We look forward to working with them on projects in the future.







- Next Project —
Read on.
214 Union Street: Crafting a flexible, contemporary co-working hub in the heart of Aberdeen.