waterfrom design recycles steel cylinders for industrial office in taiwan

when the team at waterfrom design was commissioned to complete the interior of ideal gas lab‘s new office in taiwan, they developed a space that makes direct reference to the company’s scientific operations. characterized by the application of steel gas cylinders and exposed pipes, the resulting architecture embodies a very appropriate industrial aesthetic.

all images © kuomin lee

to build many of the furniture pieces, waterfrom collected old steel cylinders of varying sizes and repurposed them as the base for glass-topped office tables. orange was then applied to the steel to represent the color of laboratory buttons. interspersed throughout the entire space, these bright orange cylinders visually highlight the invisible gas the company works with, therefore creating a specific corporate identity for ideal gas lab.

office area

the orange cylinders are applied as desk legs, the bar counter, and even under the 25-person-long desk in the conference room. additionally, the steel cylinders have also been utilized to contain plants, bringing a welcome touch of greenery into the office space. this forest color is also expressed on the floor plane, as green timber flooring traverses the entire floor plan.

office area

the program covers a total area of 2906 ft2 (270 m2) and provides a variety of functions. the scheme includes an open-plan office area, meeting area, a staff kitchen, and various other departments and private offices. overall, with direct reference to the client’s work, the design provides an optimum work environment that effectively highlights the operations undertaken at the gas company.

meeting room

meeting room detail

meeting room

office area

bar area

meeting room

project info:

project name: ideal gas lab

project type: office

location: taiwan

design: waterfrom design

client: jing he science co., ltd

area: 2906 ft2 (270 m2)

program: meeting area, kitchen island area, internet data center, archives room, purchasing department, sales department, accounting department, HR department. chairman’s office, general manager’s office, manager’s office, copying area, storage.

material: recycled steel cylinders, black iron, galvanized spiral tube, metallic paint, two colors abrasive paint, enzyme dyed wooden floor, quartzite, velvet marble.

design period: january 2019 – march 2019

construction period: february 2019 – april 2019

photography: kuomin lee

copyright: waterfrom design

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom