An efficiency-driven refurbishment prioritising the existing structure and materials

RSA House, Sandyford Road

CLIENT'S VISION

To deliver a light-touch refurbishment that enhances the existing floor through upgraded finishes in meeting rooms and open office areas, while introducing a multifunctional space incorporating a canteen, breakout zones, and a town hall area. The project aimed to seamlessly integrate ING Bank’s branding, colour palette, and interior design ethos, ensuring alignment with corporate design standards and aesthetic guidelines.

UNIQUE CHALLENGES

The project required working within the constraints of an existing fit-out in an aging building, with a strong focus on reusing as much of the existing fit-out and ING’s furniture as possible to support sustainability goals and adhere to budget constraints. A key challenge was to improve the functionality of the floorplate to better align with ING’s evolving operational needs, while also delivering a fresher, more contemporary workplace environment.

Acoustic performance in the meeting rooms needed enhancement without significant structural changes. The original fit-out of the space was completed by MCA in 2009, we aimed to  retain much of the existing fabric, including partitions, glazing, ceilings, and the boardroom structure. This approach focused on selective replacement of finishes and furniture to achieve the desired transformation.

The design response embraced ING’s corporate colour palette to unify the open office environment while enhancing both functionality and wellbeing. Strategic grouping of phone pods and breakout areas within existing bulkhead zones introduced pockets of privacy and collaboration without major structural changes. Extensive planting was integrated throughout to support staff wellness and bring biophilic benefits to the workspace. Acoustic performance was addressed with targeted acoustic panel installations in key meeting rooms, along with treatments above and below existing glazed partitions to reduce sound transmission.

Meeting Rooms

The design retained the existing glazed screens and suspended ceilings, refreshing them with updated finishes. New accent wall treatments and furniture in ING’s brand colours were introduced to inject energy and visual interest into meeting rooms, corridors, and open-plan areas.

Canteen and Breakout Space

A prime section of the former open office floorplate, offering views toward the Dublin Mountains, was reimagined as a multipurpose canteen and breakout zone. To create a distinct identity within the floorplate, new flooring was installed, and while the original suspended ceiling remained, a coloured aluminium egg-crate ceiling with integrated lighting transformed the spatial character. The use of timber-effect flooring and planting reinforced a warm, biophilic aesthetic.

Cultural and Local Integration

Artworks by local artists were curated for the space, including photographic prints featuring Dublin and its surrounding landscapes, grounding the interior design in its geographic and cultural context.