Canonical

Lead Designers Kimberley Hodgkiss, Liz Skelton

Entry Description

Canonical, a global software company, has created a London HQ that embodies their global culture of craftsmanship and innovation. Traditional Japanese carpentry and craft combine with a palette of British, European and American materials and art to reflect the company’s collegial diversity and create a contemplative atmosphere.

The venue serves as a meeting hub for colleagues, a broadcast centre for company events, and an executive briefing centre where customers immerse themselves in Canonical products and vision for enterprise technology. The company is also a pioneer of home-based work, with colleagues in 75+ countries, almost all of whom work from home. A key idea was to make an environment that felt more like a hospitality setting, to create a ‘special home office’.

The touch points of authenticity, craftsmanship, natural materials, light and warmth were carefully considered. The lighting design exemplifies this, with light sources seamlessly integrating into the tailored joinery. Luminaires with a high colour rendering of ?CRI95 further enhance the natural material palette; together with the application of a consistent 3500K colour temperature of light throughout.

Incorporating the principles of biophilia, hidden luminaires reflect the essence of a natural environment. This is further demonstrated with layers of light and varied intensity, creating movement and

Sustainability Approach

All luminaires are specified as LED lighting with smart lighting control for considered scene setting of all spaces. Functionality and light levels are at the forefront of the control philosophy, with the entirety of the office floor operating harmoniously with pre-determined light modes. Daylight sensing across the open office areas adjust the output of luminaires to reflect the natural light from the expansive glazed facade.
A small number of luminaire manufacturers were specified to minimise the carbon footprint in relation to the transportation of goods. Luminaires were specified without on-board / dedicated drivers to enable larger third-party power supplies to drive several fittings at once. This approach reduces the material content and allows for ease of future maintenance and replacement.