Open spaces require clever furniture solutions to create privacy. In busy working environments there is a need for furniture that encourages social interaction, intimate meeting places, privacy, and places of refuge where focus and concentration can happen.

Harc, from Ocee Design, was created to encourage the basic need of listening by cutting out or reducing the surrounding noise with its clever design. The name Harc echoes the arc shape with its sweeping curves that wrap around to create a warm and cosy enclosure. Living up to their design mantra that ‘Everybody should be able to work, learn, meet or be entertained in the most beautiful, comfortable, creative and productive spaces.’

Spec: Harc is styled with sophisticated low and high back sofas, all designed on leg frames either in wood or aluminium. The range comes in different variations – sofas, privacy booths for teams to work at or the single chair.

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our retail website www.saxen.co.uk for more inspiration?

The term Biophilia, meaning love of nature, focuses on human’s innate attraction to nature and natural processes. With the current increase in urbanisation, human beings have become separated from nature, which has caused an increase in stress-related illnesses.

The relationship between individuals and their environment can be a crucial determinant of how they feel, perform and interact with others. For employers, the importance of workplace design, a space where we spend many of our waking hours, is becoming more of a priority as we realise that this relationship between individuals and their environment is important to our overall health and productivity.

Biophilic Design incorporates direct or indirect elements of nature into the built environment we spend so many of our hours in. Research has shown that Biophilic Design in the workplace reduces stress, blood pressure levels and heart rates, increases productivity and improves well being of staff.

We have hand-picked some of our Biophilic Design’s that can integrate into your workspace:

We will be doing the ‘Wee Wander’, which lasts 6-miles and goes around Moss O Balloch Park, in support of Centrestage. You too can help Centrestage combat social isolation and loneliness and take a Wee Wander with their team on Sunday 29th April and help make a difference. This year their aim is to raise funds for their first ever Centrestage Bus – The Fun, Food, Folk Bus, which aims to help eliminate social isolation and loneliness.

For more information please call Centrestage on 01563 551505 and ask for either Frank, Michelle or Kim, their Kiltwalk ambassadors who’ll be more than happy to help. Please check out their website here.

As open plan offices continue to be the go-to of office design, the need for areas to have meetings, team working and a little privacy becomes important. That’s why dens, pods, and booths are the perfect pieces of office furniture to provide a breakout area in an otherwise open space.

Breakout areas have evolved over the last few years and rather than a formal meeting or boardroom, many companies are opting to have these informal breakout spaces. A place to huddle, meet, chat and exchange ideas. High back booths, pods, and dens also have acoustic properties and provide privacy with their sound-proofing walls, making the area a little more quiet and the perfect place to hide from your boss. (Just kidding...)

Here at Saxen the Works we have cherry-picked our favourite pods and booths currently out there, which you can see in the gallery below. Available in a wide range of fabric options including imitation wood, fabric made from nettles, tartans, synthetic fabrics or wool mixes, the pods and booths can be coordinated to fit your space. If you would like to know more about, email us on [email protected]

For our client, the main aim was to make each space in this office project as modern as possible, without taking away from the buildings original features. They wanted to preserve features such as the cornice and the fireplace which add character to the office, without taking away from the furniture design. 

The Works by Saxen introduced furniture to the office that compliments the buildings beautiful features. We used a Buronomic table for the Boardroom and striking blue Tas Chairs by Pledge. The reception is also by Buronomic and has a Verco Salt chair, this seating was also used for the open plan office. Finally, we used the Mesh Mirus Chair and Lii Visitor Chairs for the main office to add a nice breakout space in the room. 

View our photos, by Tom Cairns Photography here:

The Centre director's goal was to create attractive, comfortable yet practical modular seating zones for customers at The Centre, Livingston. That's where The Works by Saxen stepped in. We supplied and installed 54 bespoke units of contemporary modular bench seating which offers the Centre the flexibility they required.

The Saxen team are delighted to have received positive feedback from the client, the shops and customers alike for our installation crew and the products. 

Whether you're looking to create a sun-trapped chill-out zone, a space to enjoy alfresco dining, or seeking to refresh your venue's outdoor spaces for dining or relaxing, the latest trends in outdoor furnishing are a long way from white plastic tables and deck-chairs. Our outdoor spaces are now treated as an extension of our homes or workspaces - a place that welcomes entertainment, dining and relaxation.

Style and quality needn't be compromised as readers will see from our April Trends selections. In addition to stunning outdoor chairs, sofas, tables and even bars, well lit exterior spaces provide a wonderful opportunity to embrace warm summer nights. From illuminated garden pots to LED lit sofas and tables, there are many open-air lighting solutions available to help create a magical atmosphere.

Below are some examples to inspire outdoor living - we invite you to visit our Ayrshire showroom discover more options for your outside spaces.

Mention Italy and a particular sort of effortless glamour comes immediately to mind. In a country where even the police uniforms are designed by Armani, it isn't surprising that they take their interior design very seriously. That's why our February Trends looks at some of the hottest Italian manufacturers.

Office upgrading or redesign may not be quite as simple as throwing together your favourite pasta dish - but it doesn't have to cost the earth - you simply need have the right ingredients to get started. 

Below are some examples to inspire la dolce vita  - we invite you to visit our Ayrshire showroom to see and feel for yourself the value of stunning Italian design.

Italian office furniture manufacturer, Quinti's Infinity range of desks, storage and tables is characterised by the skilful capability in using the leather, stitched with craftsmanship and combined with the warm finishing of the wood.

The Infinity range includes meeting tables with elegant lines and wide dimensions, executive desks with essential and refined styling, bookcases, pedestals and accessories. The cone-shaped steel leg is available in the following finishes: chrome, dark chrome and white painted.

To view a selection of seaking options, please visit our  > Desking < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on our exciting ranges?

The Love Chair is a fully upholstered and super comfortable lounge chair with four solid timber legs that offer a domestic look and feel to this Deadgood favourite.

Each chair is handmade using traditional techniques and features either their trademark 'Love Button' detailing, a more traditional round button detail in a new linear configuration (pictured) or no buttons at all. The product bears all of Deadgood's classic trademarks including an exceptional design style, an uncompromising commitment to quality and a slightly eccentric tongue in cheek twist.

The Collection can be found in libraries, universities, offices and airport lounges around the UK and beyond.

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on our exciting ranges?

As sponsors of the local Newmilns Food Festival, The Works by Saxen have been involved heavily in the organisation and marketing of this event. We care deeply about our community and being actively involved in the local Regeneration Association is a significant part of our CSR approach. As part of our involvement, our MD is on the organising committee and our team designed the event programme. We're proud to help put Newlmilns on the map.

The > NEWMILNS FOOD FESTIVAL < is on from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday 17 September - and we would love to see you there.

Advert featured in the event programme: Smallroom, by Offecct is a sofa that can be used together in different modules or standing alone. The design of Smallroom is characterised by a “box” on the side which can be used for placing plants or as a working surface with optional power devices. The back of the sofa can be compared to a high wall functioning as a sort of protection when one is seated, and creates the impression of a smaller room. However, the height of the back is not compromising with the volume of the surrounding room. Smallroom is offered with different back and side heights, which provide the architect a possibility to create environments that evoke interest, through the help of different dimensions.

In contemporary office environments one often talk about active areas; where different kinds of work, conversations and meetings can take place. Smallroom is developed in accordance with this and invites individually or group activities at work.

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on our exciting ranges?

The Works by Saxen are delighted to be one of the main sponsors of the very first Newmilns Food Festival. Organised by the charity, Newmilns Regeneration Association, this event promises to showcase the best of local food and drink.

Showcasing everything from Fenwick chillies to Mauchline ales in a covered marketplace to ensure even bad weather cannot spoil the day.

So if you fancy a flavoursome lunch, do drop by the event.

The Scottish Business Exhibition will be held this November at The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) in Glasgow.

This is a free-to-attend event and, what is more, an excellent range of entrepreneurs and business leaders will be there sharing their experiences. These include experts from Companies House, Clydesdale Bank and the Intellectual Property Office.

This whole event, including full access to all of the seminars and workshops is completely free! There are well over 100 exhibitors too.

The Works by Saxen are exhibiting at Stand D13.

Do drop by and see us!

The EarChair is what happens when furniture is designed while keeping in mind the idea that it should behave like a room.

The final result is a chair which behaves like a private space – a proper resting place in the middle of the hustle-and-bustle of busy workplaces, a flexible & social meeting ground that can exist almost anywhere. The EarChair delivers a well-resolved acoustic that lets you be yourself in your own personal space - in a room within a room.

It is here, in the open public space, where you can have a personal conversation, make a telephone call or listen privately to what you choose. The integrated armrest table of the EarChair also offers a useful place for you to enjoy your coffee, write your notes, or work on your laptop. No matter how many chairs or how big the room actually is, the EarChair's unique variations of colour and fabric choice allows for every room to take on its own personal character.

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on our exciting ranges?

High tech furnishings might conjure up a vision of exposed cables, but much has changed over the last few years and technology now serves to make a space more inviting, comfortable, flexible and productive, therefore, more profitable.

The trend towards these high-tech environments has already been embraced by global chains such as McDonald’s, Costa and Starbucks who have recognised that the addition of wireless charging stations drives increased footfall to their venues. This intelligent technology meets the demands of mobile device users to stay powered up on the move – simply pop in for a coffee and recharge.

Charging units can be installed discretely into a variety of interior products such as soft-seating, cafe tables, bar tops, desking, bedside tables and accessories for hospitality, office and home – adding extra functionality to any environment. The slimline chargers come with sleek polished or leather surrounds and introduce accessible charging without the need for cables cluttering spaces. Taken a step further, businesses can add their venues to an app which allows users to identify locations where they can charge and go.

Advances in high-tech furniture can also be seen in the commercial interiors lighting industry. Smart lighting can be integrated into soft-seating pods for breakout spaces, and incorporated into desking solutions. Research has shown that companies investing in this technology help to increase productivity by reducing fatigue associated with conventional lighting. Manufacturers have adopted mood lighting options with a variety of power and colour settings to allow the user to tailor the light to their own specific needs. Energy efficient features, such as presence detectors and sensor controlled lighting, mean that not only are these products effective in improving the wellbeing of users, but they also reduce power bills… which will help pay for that over-priced latte as we power up.

The Manhattan Collection is a versatile modular system with clean lines and a contemporary style, with a steel leg or show wood leg detail.

A multitude of configurations can be achieved incorporating chairs, sofas, bench seats and seating booths. The system is based on three main elements: seat module, screen and plinth. These create the main assemblies onto which arms, legs and headrests can be added. For added value, why not add in an Aircharge wireless charging into the armrest - making sure you are always powered up and ready to go?

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

Functionality and technology are increasingly dominating the way we style domestic and commercial spaces.

Accessorising the work place and home is now simpler than ever, with a wide range of accessories and smart product design delivering the opportunity to bring in personality or mood to the environment.

There are many exciting options available that will complement an existing space while also enhancing function, style and design. The CBOX pedestal from Dieffebi is a perfect example of function meeting form adding value to a workspace. The stylish little ped variety of colours and finishes, and simply by adding the optional cushion allows it to double as a spare mobile seat for informal meetings.

Technology advancements also offer enhanced environments. In a world where people are constantly connected to digital devices such as mobile phones and tablets, the launch of wireless charging solutions to the market opens up a wealth of new product adaptions. Aircharge, wireless charging experts have produced just such a range. Their flagship Z-Bar ergonomic desk light now incorporates Qi charging technology. This desirable accessory is up for grabs in an array of funky colours – an ideal way to add personality to your workspace.

Great things come in small packages, and the Carry On stool is no exception. This portable seating solution combines traditional materials and craftsmanship with contemporary design and function, and is ideal for flexible working and domestic spaces where occasional seating is required. Produced in a variety of colours and fabrics, this designer stool is a superb accessory to add a punch of colour and designer presence without breaking the bank.

Carry On is a portable seating solution that works perfectly by itself but also as a complement to other products.

Carry On is designed by Mattias Stenberg who has a strong belief in the need of flexible working places in the public space. Today we work more in projects and need environments that can be easily adapted to different needs. Carry On is not only physically flexible; it also signals to the user how it should be used by the handle on top. Carry On has round but simple forms and combines traditional materials and craftsmanship with contemporary design and functions. It gives a tailored impression with stitching that communicates good craftsmanship. It is easy to stack Carry On, which means that it does not have to be stored elsewhere when not used.

Spec: Frame in wood with cold foam. Floor plate in lacquered, coloured MDF. Upholstered in fabric or leather. Standard leather Elmo Soft. High compressed handle in white pigmented massive ash, casted fitting in zinc.

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

Montparnasse is an easy chair designed by the French designer Christophe Pillet. Pillet got inspired by, amongst other products, ordinary camping gear and has then added elegance and quality - which has created Montparnasse.

“This easy chair is designed with the ambition of using less material. Traditionally, easy chairs, like other furniture, are based on the idea of quantity, which is not at all updated to our contemporary time. It’s unbelievable, a shame, that quality and status is still valued in terms of size and quantity in cars, sofas, bathrooms etcetera. We developed this chair with a high-tech textile mounted on a mechanical construction, making the easy chair light, while using minimal amounts of material. It’s inspired by camping gear and military furniture. The exciting challenge has been to apply the cleverness and economical thinking of camping gear, but with the comfort and finish of high-end domestic furniture. It is about providing people with space, being light and transparent in the contemporary environment.”

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

Workspaces are becoming more open, flexible environments, taking inspiration from domestic interiors. The Noah collection creates a relaxed breakout area as well as a contemporary timeless aesthetic to an atrium or lounge. This collection celebrates the craft of the British manufacturing industry, using traditional techniques to produce contemporary timeless pieces.

Noah was influenced by the iconic styles of 50’s British and Danish design whilst considering emerging trends within design and the working environment.

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

The range comprises six fully upholstered pieces: A single and double ottoman, a classic tub chair and sofa as well as high back wing version, available as chair and sofa. Lux features elegant sewing details, buttons in the back and tapered solid oak legs. A complementary table range is available.

The new soft seating range is very versatile in use, ideal for the fast paced work environment. Different combinations and configurations create flexible space for all kinds of purposes: discussing, presenting, brainstorming as well as concentrating and relaxing. Designed by Jason Lansdale.

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

Offecct's Netrame easy chair is the start of our January advertising campaigns.

Netframe is a sofa and an easy chair designed by the duo Cate & Nelson. Cate & Nelson’s idea behind Netframe was to create a piece of furniture that consumes as little material as possible while maintaining a high comfort.

”In order to succeed with this challenge we had to turn everything upside down in the development process. We wanted it to be easy to produce with minimal time and material usage”, says Nelson Ruiz-Acal, one half of Cate & Nelson.

Netframe was developed into a very comfortable piece of furniture with extremely low impact on the environment. Cate & Nelson believe it is important to see the wholeness in their design, that the product is responsible at all stages; from production to usage, which is very apparent in their design of Netframe.

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

The Tailor chair has a beautiful character with an exceptionally comfortable shape and many well-designed details. It can easily be disassembled and dressed in different fabrics.

"Different patterns for clothes have inspired me in my work on Tailor, and this gives the chair a unique character. The way the seat and the backrest are put together are highlighted with buttons, an important aesthetically detail. The buttons are the same shape as the buttons that were on a coat my grandmother used to wear. A small detail which means a lot to me. Every part of this chair is designed for maximum comfort. You could say that the chair is tailored for the body", says Louise Hederström.

To view a selection of seating options, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

Martin rectangular desks provide a less formal and more friendly style of furniture for the modern office or executive space.

Frames are available in solid oak or walnut with tops available in real wood veneer to match, or in a combination of laminate with solid wood edge profiles.

This feature is also taken through to the modesty panel which also shows the same attention to detail and the solid wood edge profile.

The Works offer a wide range of desking solutions. To view a selection, please visit our  > Desking < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

HenRay is a sharp and stylish range of modular soft seating created by Ocee. Awarded the Design Guild Mark in May 2015, HenRay was Henry Gurney's first furniture collection. The Design Guild Mark recognises excellence in furniture design and is judged by a distinguished panel of experts.
High back seating units offer comfort and privacy and suite perfectly with low back seating, benches and tables. Curved seating modules and booths complete the extensive collection to create large landscape configurations ideal for meeting and public spaces.
The Works offer a wide range of soft seating solutions. To view a selection, please visit our > Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

The minimalist allure of chrome perimeter structure of Frame combined with the chromatic detailing and beautiful selection of tops, in melamine or white and black glass – represents a new way of interpreting workspaces and furnishing both executive and professional offices. See the full Frame range > here < The Works offer a wide range of desking solutions. To view a selection, please visit our > Desking < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

The unique, cubist shape of this reception desk is not only contemporary, but offers a compact yet dramatic statement to your reception space. Two overlapping rectangles available in four colour variants (white, green, red and orange) create the front of the counter. The high gloss of the inset panels contrast with the matt body, and the desk top – available in white or chestnut. The compact Foro reception desk offers enough space for essential devices and stationery. The Works offer a wide range of reception solutions. To view a selection, please visit our > Receptions < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

This executive system is distinguished by the cabinet that beside supporting the desk and providing a comprehensive plan of service, it serves a dual containment function: externally with open shelves, inside with drawers and space for the hard-disk. All this with an aesthetic and important look at the same time, able to stand in line with many different stylistic contexts.
The Works offer a wide range of desking solutions. To view a selection, please visit our > Desking < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

Vogue is a sexy new office furniture range from Italian manufacturer Sinetica using a combination of wood, glass and metal materials to create contemporary, clean lines. A variety of lacquered shades give flexibility to the range which makes it easily adaptable for any project. Inserts can be created using top grade leather to add warmth and create a truly unique product.
If a pink desk is what you have been searching for (or grey, blue, green or even yellow) then the Vogue range is an excellent choice. To view a selection, please visit our > Desking < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

Hub South West Scotland delivered another two successful BIM events at The Works' showroom on 12 Feb 2015 - an ideal environment for A&D sector seminars and workshops.
The morning presentation, titled: Managing Asbestos Risk, was led by Colin McCartney of Damada Asbestos Removals from East Kilbride, and covered health hazards, asbestos uses in buildings, legislative background and sampling, surveys and training.
The afternoon event delivered an introduction to Building Information Modelling for Construction Professionals - presenting a gentle introduction to the collaborative world of BIM, the advantages it offers and the challenges it poses for construction professionals. It covered many of the terms and concepts that are used and gave a better understanding of what it all means and how it affects the industry.
Attendees enjoyed a light lunch and coffee and participated in a lively Q&A session after both events - taking advantage of the relaxed setting, and afterwards enjoyed a tour of the building, our newest showroom and a sampling of what The Works has to offer.

Cbox is a multi-functional metal storage unit which can be transformed into an eye-catching furnishing element and a mobile stool. Available in a wide range of colours for functional and lively solutions, perfect for both homes and offices.
The Works offer a wide range of storage solutions. To view a selection, please visit our > Storage < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

Yo offers a flexible and smart way to work in a customised habitat. This is the design idea which inspired YO, the innovative furniture system which corresponds to several functional and operational needs: workstation, open space, meeting area, executive and reception. A dynamic system with a range of surface finishes, including linen textures, as see in our advert.
The Works offer a wide range of desking solutions. To view a selection, please visit our > Desking < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

A spectacular evening of glamour, burlesque entertainment, delicious food, plentiful wine and superb company was enjoyed as The Works' team of Chris Arkley led the way with guests from C2 Concepts, Cooper Cromar, Elevate, Harmony Ridge Designs, Keppie Design, Mesh Office Seating and Three Collective.
The Works, who sponsored the event, supplied a range of soft seating from top manufacturers such as Deadgood, Mesh Office Seating, Quadrifoglio and Ocee and nifty poseur tables fitted with the innovative Aircharge wireless charging units - to ensure that no one in the house ran out of phone juice.
The auction was a resounding success as hands were raised enthusiastically to buy up the stunning works of art donated by many big names in the business - raising a fantastic £22,000 for the beneficiary charities. We're sure Enable Scotland and Glasgow School of Art Fire Fund will be delighted at the great support shown.

We'll be posting a selection of photos from the event soon... watch this space!

No strangers to the architect sector, The Works are exhibiting an assortment of top European designed furniture, lighting and accessories. The Works are located just south of Glasgow in a recently converted Victorian lace mill. The former industrial building was in a state of disrepair before their team of designers, space planners and builders transformed the neglected exterior to its former glory and converted the interior to a showcase for innovative commercial furniture from across Europe’s most renowned designers. Suspended galvanised ducting, clever lighting and exposed brickwork accents deliver a powerful backdrop to the displays.

The event, which celebrates our local talent and diversity, artistically, architecturally and culturally, will raise funds for Enable Scotland and Glasgow School of Art – both causes that are close to The Works team’s hearts.

Visitors to the event will be able to view a showcase of the latest furniture trends and innovative commercial interior products, including state-of-the-art Aircharge wireless charging solutions at the gala dinner on the 28theof October.

Chris Arkley, Sales Director said “The AmeetsA event has really inspired us. We have close working ties with the architect community and feel this is a great opportunity to support Scottish talent – particularly in a year where the world’s eyes are on Glasgow. We’ve collaborated with Enable Scotland in the past and our design director is an alumina of Glasgow School of Art – it’s an honour to support these causes which are so close to our hearts."

Innovative design leading to inspiring breakout areas, spirit has a refined and inviting form, without losing versatility and comfort. Spirit also offers show-wood versions, adding further elegance by enhancing the upholstery detail.

The Works offer a wide range of breakout and soft seating solutions. To view a selection, please visit our  > Breakout & Soft Seating < page, or why not visit our showroom for more information on what's available?

Saxen is going from strength to strength, and to celebrate our 5th birthday we've treated ourselves to a new frock... well, a new logo and website, really.

We're still providing the best service and continuing to build new relationships with manufacturers, designers and customers. Look out for our glam new look at events across the country.

The 2014 Cream of Ayrshire Awards will be held at Brigadoon House Hotel, Alloway on Thursday 2nd October. As previous winners of the award (2012), The Works by Saxen are delighted to be sponsoring the Best Workplace category.

*** EDIT ***
Award was presented to Rathbone, Kilmarnock and presented to Margaret Bryson and Lyndsay Lewis. Congratulations from The Works by Saxen.

One big family: the Quadrifoglio COVE chair range has one seating type and a common and distinctive design across many products, creating visual harmony while supporting multiple ways of working. An essential design that enhances the purity and sinuosity of the seat. The strong and flexible shell in polypropylene comes in 6 vibrant finishes or fully upholstered, offering an excellent seating comfort. COVE creates a consistent extensions of the range across ten types of frames.

The collection is completed by a wide range of tables and coffee tables with metal or wood structures in various sizes and shapes. The Cove family has been designed to create harmony in different types of interiors: canteen or bars, hotel halls or houses, conference or boardroom, work spaces or outdoor.

See a selection in our showroom from the end of April 2014.

HenRay is a sharp and stylish range of soft seating created by the Ocee. A high back unit offers comfort and privacy and suites perfectly with a two-seater low back and bench unit. The curved units also offer high and low back options and a glass-topped table completes the collection. HenRay’s modular system can be used to form large landscape configurations that are ideal for meeting and public spaces.

Visit our showroom to experience the HenRay for yourself.