Mattelsa, where industrial chic meets workplace wellness

A view of Mattelsa's dining area and the Green House, which accommodates its market and library.

A view of Mattelsa's dining area and the Green House, which accommodates its market and library.

As quality of life, flexibility, and collaboration take on increasing importance in the workplaces of young people, design innovation becomes a significant, if not essential, catalyst in keeping employees happy and motivated.

A lounge area in the Mattelsa lobby.

A lounge area in the Mattelsa lobby.

Quickly realizing the impact environment could have on their workers, the brilliant minds behind Colombian clothing and lifestyle brand Mattelsa teamed up with local experts ALH Taller and 5 Sólidos to create the ideal headquarters for their brand; a haven where employees could feel free to interact, eat healthy, read, rest, enjoy green spaces, and most importantly, create.

A view of the market, which offers healthy options at affordable prices for employees.

A view of the market, which offers healthy options at affordable prices for employees.

The two partner firms collaborated with Mattelsa in a 600-square-meter ground floor that features a reception, a buffet and salad bar offering vegan dishes, a casual dining area with a variety of seating options, and a Green House accommodating a healthy market and library.

The dining area, where open space dominates and a diversity of sitting areas are available.

The dining area, where open space dominates and a diversity of sitting areas are available.

Avoiding any notions of the traditional workplace, the design focuses on open spaces that inspire interaction while preserving the implicit formality of “the office.”

Another sitting area with pendant lighting by 5 Sólidos and Aisha chairs by The Blue House.

Another sitting area with pendant lighting by 5 Sólidos and Aisha chairs by The Blue House.

The industrial interior contrasts with functional furniture and retro décor, including flashy signage, an array of pendant lamps, and an oasis of plants positioned to create cozy micro-environments. Materials like concrete and wood dominate, while marble, steel, artisan-made mosaics, glass and others serve as a contrast.

Acting as an extension of the Mattelsa philosophy, this industrial chic workspace is an oasis of wellness for its employees. cincosolidos.comalhtaller.com

The lobby, with oak stools by The Blue House.

The lobby, with oak stools by The Blue House.