Propel

A loft with an industrial flair

The task was to move Propel, a small consulting firm within the field of safety and damage reduction in the maritime sector. They were to move from the third floor to the loft of an old townhouse in Oslo from 1876. Extensive demolition revealed bay windows and roof constructions, that had been hidden behind walls and ceilings. These remained exposed and, together with the furnishing and colour concept, accentuate the industrial touch also present in the work of Propel. Workspaces are concentrated in a large, open room for maximum daylight. Supporting rooms and meeting rooms are located by the entrance. A project zone in the open workspace provides space for visitors and doubles as a display area, while the space furthest from the entrance is a combined eating and meeting room.

Propel 1 — Entrance

An industrial flair in
the entrance area with
glass walls, dark framing,
concrete walls, and
the sign in aluminum.

Propel 2 — Workspace

We aimed to preserve the character of the building. The old townhouse architecture is allowed to really shine with all its angles and corners.

Propel 3 — Workspace

A high ceiling and good use of windowsmake the loft light and airy. In a space with many slanted walls it is important to make good use of all surfaces.

Propel 4 — In addition to regular workspaces there is an open project zone with drop-in workspaces and a large screen for presentations.

Propel 7 — Meeting Rooms

The meeting rooms have been named after well-known accidents in the shipping industry, in order to raise awareness around Propel’s responsibilty to create safety offshore and at sea.

Propel 8 — Kitchenette

The largest meeting room has been equipped with a kitchenette and doubles as the lunch room.

Propel 6 — Old and New

The ceiling has been kept rough and open, and stands in contrast to the new lighting and lowered ceiling with ventilation.

Propel 10 — WC

Tiles that reference the history of the building.

Propel 11 — New and Old Door

Detail of a new glass partition against an old wooden door.

Propel 5 — Workspace

Detail from an old chimney.

Thea Røhrt

Interior architect MNIL, partner