Office Breakout Area
Southampton Breakout Area Fit Out
After building a strong and long-term relationship with this Southampton-based client, and having successfully completed the fit out of their commercial canteen earlier in the year, Foursquare Workspace were delighted to be invited back to assist once again. This time, the brief focused on developing a new breakout area — a space where employees could relax, recharge, and connect away from their desks, while maintaining visual and stylistic continuity with the newly refurbished canteen.
The client’s decision to reinvest in their workspace reflected a continued commitment to employee wellbeing and company culture. They wanted a breakout zone that felt modern, uplifting, and brand-aligned — a natural extension of the improvements already made to the canteen.
Plan
At the outset, the client shared their vision for a bright, comfortable, and stylish breakout space that would harmonise with the canteen’s existing design language. The goal was to create a multifunctional environment where staff could unwind during breaks, hold informal meetings, or socialise with colleagues in a more relaxed setting.
Our design team began by holding in-depth discussions with the client to explore their preferences, practical requirements, and desired atmosphere. We reviewed how the space was currently used and identified key opportunities to enhance its comfort, flow, and visual appeal.
With these insights, the Foursquare Workspace design team developed a series of 3D renders and visual concepts, giving the client a clear representation of how the new breakout area could look. These visuals showcased not only the proposed layout and furniture selection but also the material finishes, lighting, and colour palette — all chosen to complement the brand’s identity and align with the design direction established in the canteen fit out.
The resulting concept achieved exactly what the client had envisioned: a dynamic yet calming environment that combined contemporary styling with everyday functionality.
Works
Once the design was approved, our experienced installation team moved swiftly to begin the transformation process. The project started with essential preparation and renovation work to refresh and modernise the space.
The first stage involved replacing the existing flooring, creating a clean foundation for the new design. We introduced durable carpet tiles in the banquette and soft seating areas, providing both comfort and acoustic benefits. The surrounding surfaces were then revitalised with full painting and decoration, brightening the entire area and ensuring a cohesive, polished finish.
To further define the layout, we incorporated a new wall and screen to separate the soft seating area. This addition created distinct zones within the open-plan space, giving employees the flexibility to choose between lively group areas and quieter corners for relaxation.
Continuing the theme established in the canteen, we added quirky geometric window manifestations, maintaining visual continuity between the two spaces. These subtle yet distinctive graphics not only provided privacy and interest but also reinforced the company’s creative and modern brand personality.
The furniture installation phase completely redefined the feel of the breakout area. All previous furniture was removed and replaced with a carefully selected range of contemporary pieces, including back-to-back booths, fixed tables, and under-window benches. These were complemented by bright, glossy seating that added a vibrant pop of colour and energy to the space.
In the soft seating zone, comfortable sofas were introduced, upholstered in tones that matched the company’s branding palette. This thoughtful coordination ensured that every element — from furniture to finishes — aligned perfectly with the client’s corporate identity.
Throughout the works, our team maintained strict attention to detail and ensured that all installations met both aesthetic and practical standards. Every fixture, fitting, and finish was chosen for durability, comfort, and visual appeal.
Result
The completed breakout area is a bright, open, and inviting space that has quickly become a favourite destination for staff. The clever combination of textures, colours, and lighting brings warmth and vitality to the environment, while the carefully planned layout offers versatility for different types of use — from casual coffee breaks to collaborative discussions.
Each design element reflects the client’s brand personality, creating a sense of consistency across the workplace. The geometric window manifestations tie the new breakout area seamlessly to the previously refurbished canteen, resulting in a cohesive and visually unified interior.
The transformation has truly breathed life into a previously dated area, turning it into a hub of interaction and relaxation that enhances employee wellbeing and workplace satisfaction. The project stands as another successful collaboration between Foursquare Workspace and our valued client — a testament to our shared vision of creating spaces that inspire, engage, and perform beautifully.
