What did the job entail?
Housed in a Grade II listed building, Skype’s new HQ was designed by award-winning architects TP Bennett, and includes a reception, offices, an engineering lab, meeting rooms, breakout areas and ‘The Chill’ employee social area. Surrey-based Signbox was commissioned to produce decorative and privacy–preserving film designs for the layout’s long curved windows inside and out, and glass partitions and doors.
How was it produced?
The designs were printed in white ink on Lintec Graphic Films’ E-2200ZC optically clear film, on a Durst Omega 2. A total of 1,000m2 was installed across the three floors, with designs reflecting the British bands, products and people themes of each floor, and engineered according to how much privacy was needed where. “We printed at 40% opacity so it had an etched effect,” reported Matthew Wilkins, director of Signbox.
What challenges were overcome?
“One of the greatest challenges was to provide a finish that was going to complement a very beautifully designed interior and we were very conscious of that,” said Wilkins. “We could slap up some DDA dots, but they were looking for something that didn’t close in the space. The client and designer were very exacting and we had to match that.”
Wilkins reported that printing on the Durst was integral to this. “It prints very fine and even detail. That’s important for digital images and for getting a good quality of finish.”
What was the feedback?
Skype design principal Steve Pearce said: “The quality and speed of the overall product was outstanding. Signbox’s general alacrity in taking on challenging projects makes them a joy to partner with. We’re incredibly pleased with the overall feel it has given to the office environment.”
