Carrot on a stick

WORDS Michelle Marais

Looking through the keyhole of working South Africa, VISI discovered some super funky and well thought-out office spaces when we put together VISI 66 The Office – too many to fit in one magazine. Here’s a peep into the 24 Carrots offices in Johannesburg.

Spending nearly a third of one’s time at work means, in order to be in the right mind space, it’s necessary to be in the right office space. Johannesburg-based 24 Carrots took this to heart when they remodelled their headquarters, turning it into an exciting hub that promotes communication and the sharing of ideas.

A corporate events design company by nature, 24 Carrots purchased the one-time synagogue, which dates back to 1946, in 2005 and undertook the task of revisioning it themselves. Being “in the business of selling experiences”, they aimed to create an inviting office space layered with visual surprises. Several playful elements – such as soccer balls and wall decals – combined with opulent pieces such as dramatic chandeliers and ceramics, strike a balance between luxurious and relaxed. While the palette consists predominantly of black and white, colour is introduced through greenery, touches of gold and various earthy tones.

Decorator Sarah Clarke was asked to create striking paint effects. She transformed the reception area by producing a cowhide effect and transformed an old piano by adding black-and-white stripes, as well as beautiful silver leafing. The mezzanine level, exposed staircases and partially open cubicles promote spontaneity, encouraging employees to feed off each other’s energy, while creatively connecting.

Another creative, graffiti artist Nicholas Kerr, was approached during the renovations. He took his spray can to the building’s facade and boundary wall, producing a striking monochrome mural. His work allows the black-and-white theme to spill onto the exterior, wowing clients from their time of arrival.

The revamp has left employees thrilled to spend a great deal of their day in an inspiring office environment, with the added advantage of being able to escape to a roof terrace that overlooks the City of Gold. 

See more of the inspiring office spaces we have uncovered online or get VISI 66 The Office for the latest international trends in the 9-to-5 spaces.

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