HISAKA WORKS, LTD.
Project management / Design / Construction
WORK PLACE
2,350㎡
A conversion of a factory into an office space to promote dialogue and efficiency
At the Konoike Branch of Hisaka Works, Inc., an entire floor of the factory was converted into an office space, consolidating offices that had previously been dispersed across multiple buildings, removing boundaries between departments, and achieving operational efficiency and seamless cooperation. Through an in-depth understanding of the building’s structure and operational characteristics, we developed a comfortable and functional work environment while fully utilizing the sense of unity unique to a single-floor office.
CONCEPT
Centered on the client’s two key concepts—gradual refinement and improved productivity—we considered the configuration and functions so that the idea of “efficiency created through dialogue and choice” would be naturally reflected in the space. To enhance interdepartmental relationships and collaboration both within and outside the company, we designed the spaces to foster spontaneous communication and active conversation. Moreover, we incorporated design elements that help employees refresh and concentrate through subtle variations in the workspace and how they experience it so that the space would work as a “mechanism” for improving the quality of work.
PLANNING
By making use of the structure and high ceilings characteristic of factories, we loosely divided the space according to floor heights to guide sightlines and enable natural zoning. Meeting spaces are set up by the windows, offering expansive views. The layout was developed based on quantitative data such as the usage rates and storage capacities of meeting rooms, as well as the optimal workspace area. Attention was also given to small details and falling object prevention measures for storage, ensuring a space that is both safe and practical.
DESIGN
While maintaining consistency throughout the space, we gave each area a distinctive look. The entrance and the visitor area feature deep colors reminiscent of the deep sea and night sky to create a sense of serenity and depth. The employee breakout area features greenery and wood accents, fostering a calming and relaxing environment inspired by nature. For the floor of the main work area, patterns are arranged randomly to create a visually rhythmic and playful effect.
The entrance area, which serves as the face of the company, features calm and deep colors. Its wall, floor, and ceiling are designed with gentle curves inspired by fluids used in heat exchange technology. Also, the wall surfaces are painted with environmentally friendly materials to subtly express our commitment to sustainability.
In the employee breakout area, we incorporated the warmth of wood materials and a spacious seating layout to create a comfortable and relaxing space.
In the main work area, we ensured both functionality and a welcoming atmosphere to help the employees focus on their work. We intentionally left the existing cable and pipe racks below the ceiling as an accent, symbolically highlighting the space’s conversion from a factory.
The hot-desking area at the center features a variety of desks to allow the workers to choose the optimal place based on their needs and mood. The floor features randomly arranged patterns, subtly creating a sense of rhythm and playfulness.
The movable tables on casters encourage spontaneous conversations and active communication.
The reception room features a blue that is reminiscent of the deep sea, and the moldings on the walls add a sense of sophistication suitable for reception spaces.
The spacious guest meeting room can accommodate large meetings of up to 16 people.
This guest meeting room can accommodate up to 36 people. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, including seminars as well as meetings with both internal and external participants.
LAUNCH
We carried out the project smoothly by carefully coordinating with the client and construction companies through regular checks to prevent misalignment of understanding. We believe we have successfully developed an office that is emblematic of the client’s company while ensuring convenience, efficiency, and design quality by making the most of the single-floor layout, even though it was converted from a factory.
PROJECT FLOW
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Clarification of requirements
In addition to the client’s in-house survey, we conducted research on other data, including meeting room usage rates and storage capacities. Based on the survey results, data analysis, and discussion at office usage planning meetings, we defined the direction of the spatial design to promote interdepartmental collaboration and enhance convenience.
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Concept design
Building on the concept developed by the client, we carefully incorporated insights from our preliminary survey of various work situations into the spatial configuration and functions. Beyond simply bringing the concept to life, we also designed an optimal environment to enhance the quality of their daily work.
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Basic plan
By leveraging the characteristics of the single-floor office, we designed a floor plan that facilitates interdepartmental collaboration and use of meeting rooms. In addition to zoning for improved convenience and efficiency, we created a hot-desking area, an open meeting area by the windows, and other areas to develop a flexible work environment, allowing employees to choose where to work based on their needs.
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Implementation design
Based on the basic plan, we repeatedly tested sample finishing materials and adjusted furniture dimensions, incorporating the results into the construction drawings. We also considered actual usability, including falling object prevention fences as well as coloring and arrangement of ceiling equipment. We ensured both comfort and functionality by optimizing the specifications while verifying the construction standards with our construction partners.
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Cost adjustment
Starting in the design development phase, we focused on cost optimization while maintaining design quality by revising the grades of finishing materials as well as the specifications and quantities of furniture.
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Work environment development
Considering the nature of the project, which involved construction work within an active factory, we paid close attention to material delivery routes and safety measures. With the cooperation of the client, we formulated an efficient and safe implementation framework and carried out the on-site construction smoothly.
PROJECT DATA
Client: HISAKA WORKS, LTD.
Project: Heat Exchange East Building, Konoike Branch, Hisaka Works, Inc.
Business: WORK PLACE
Role: Project management / Design / Construction
Completion Date: 2025.05
Size: 2,350㎡
Location: Higashiosaka City, Osaka
Category: Industrial equipment manufacturing and sales business
CREDIT
- Planning
Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Project Management
KONICA MINOLTA JAPAN, INC. / Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Design
Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.（Architecture and equipment design：OBAYASHI CORPORATION）
- Construction
OBAYASHI CORPORATION / KONICA MINOLTA JAPAN, INC. / Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Photograph
Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
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