Navig8

Client Overview

Navig8 is a global shipping and logistics company. Their new offices at the Zig Zag building are anything but conventional; when you first walk in, it feels like you’re stepping into a high-end hotel, not a corporate office.

The combination of rich, dark finishes, bespoke joinery lined with leather, and illuminated display cases housing stunning models of Navig8’s ships set the tone for the whole space. The vision for the fit-out was to move away from their traditional corporate aesthetic and create a high-end environment inspired by residential and hospitality design. The previous front-of-house area was transformed into a modern lounge and bar space, while the main office evolved from a bright, corporate feel to a moodier, more atmospheric setting with exposed ceilings, new lighting, and carefully selected furniture and finishes.

Given this sophisticated foundation, the planting scheme needed to elevate the richness of the design while maintaining a refined, non-commercial feel. Large-scale planting was introduced to enhance the overall aesthetic, adding depth, texture, and subtle pops of colour in an elegant and understated way.

The Brief

The client team wanted a planting scheme that would complement the luxurious feel of the office while adding depth and visual interest. Instead of uniformity, they requested a diverse mix of planters, from Baq Lava textures and metallic gold finishes to Mediterranean-inspired ceramics, to create layers of contrast within the space.

Strategic positioning was key. Plants were placed near external windows where possible to make sure they get enough light, while areas like the kitchen and breakout space were given the most planting to create inviting, restorative environments for staff. End-of-desk planters were integrated into the joinery to introduce greenery without cluttering walkways, and high-impact statement plants were selected for the main corridor to enhance movement through the space.

Challenges

The office’s low light presented a challenge. The planting needed to add vibrancy without relying heavily on natural light, so a selection of low-light tolerant species was curated. Guzmania bromeliads were scheduled for fortnightly rotation to ensure the scheme always looked fresh.

Additionally, planter selection had to complement the space’s dark and metallic finishes without overwhelming the sophisticated aesthetic. To achieve this, a range of cream stone-texture planters was chosen, with complementary tones including sepia, dark stone, and ceramics to add variety and contrast.

What We Did

Reception

When you first walk in, bespoke shelving is softened with Zamiocalcus and Philodendron Brasil. The main reception space features floorstanding and shelf planters in varied textures, including Baq Lava finishes, metallic gold, and Mediterranean-style ceramics, creating a layered aesthetic that aligns with the luxurious design.

Kitchen & Breakout Space

Recognising that these areas are where people naturally gravitate to relax and rejuvenate, planting was a key design element. Large planters with lush greenery were incorporated to bring a sense of calm and nature into the space, making it feel more inviting.

Workstations & Dividers

The end-of-desk planters were part of the joinery scheme, and make the office walkways a sight to behold. These planters were filled with a mix of Aglaonema, Asplenium Nidus, and Guzmania bromeliads, chosen for their sculptural forms and ability to thrive in low light.

Divider planting behind seating areas featured Sansevieria Laurentii and Scindapsus Aureum, providing architectural impact and low-maintenance resilience.

Main Corridor

This high-traffic area required planting that made an impact while maintaining ease of movement. Large-scale statement plants were introduced to frame the space without obstructing pathways.

Meeting Rooms & Phone Booths

The meeting rooms feature large Strelizia Nicolai, adding a statement without feeling dominating.

The phone booths are separated by large Dracaenas in Mediterranean-inspired planters, introducing height and an organic design that ties into the wider aesthetic.

Outcome

The finished space perfectly balances luxury with warmth. The reception planting compliments the joinery, enhancing the high-end feel, while clustered pots add depth and interest.

As you move towards the main office, the statement Strelizia Nicolai in the meeting room and the soft green pods with floorstanding Dracaenas create a sophisticated transition.

The primary workspace feels calming and inviting, with natural light in the day and soft lighting in the evening. End-of-desk backlit joinery planters filled with Guzmania bromeliads inject a subtle, ever-changing splash of colour and greenery without restricting sightlines and walkways.