USM Haller has always been a practical, eye-catching centrepiece of BDG architecture + design’s office at the Sea Containers building on London’s South Bank in 2017. Now, the workplace specialists have reconfigured their space reusing 95% of their Haller system as part of its ‘People First, Future-Focused’ approach to workplace design. They added USM Haller E lighting and World of Plants for USM Haller to help break up the areas.

USM and Sustainability
Want to know more? Our Sustainability Report 2020-21 goes into detail.

Below is the original design from 2017

The original configuration had two generations of USM Haller which were organised in two different depths, 350mm and 500mm and made up of four different colours: Golden Yellow, Pure White, Light Grey and Matte Silver. BDG restyled its legacy Haller, some of which dates back 30 years and added the newer USM Haller E lighting and World of Plants for USM Haller elements across the four new working areas. 

“It’s important that our space reflects our core beliefs around ‘People, Place and Purpose’. As a studio we’ve become recognised for creative regeneration projects over the last decade that have kickstarted a trend in adaptive re-use within the commercial office sector.

It’s our belief this shouldn’t just remain focused on architecture, but also on interiors and our work with USM Haller closely aligns with the desire to demonstrate that thoughtful specification can deliver a truly sustainable, adaptive and long lasting solution, meeting the demands on space and the way we work.”

The new configuration aligns with BDG’s desire for mobility and adaptability with different cross sections and divisions of the space. Three of the four runs of product provide connectivity thanks to the addition of USB charging points and dimmable lighting, both elements of Haller E. World of Plants for USM Haller, meanwhile, provides a wealth of greenery and with it the mental and physical health benefits of having plants in the office. In some instances, the light from the Haller E benefited the wellbeing of the plants as well as the people in the office. Elsewhere, additional glass shelving achieves a contemporary mix of textures while extension desks provide extra working areas. 

“Combined with the creative thinking of BDG, this project is an exemplary case study for the adaptive reuse of USM Haller. Since its inception, sustainability in manufacturing processes and reuse has been cornerstone of the USM business. The longevity in the modular design, allows for unlimited reconfigurations, with zero waste due to the retrospective compatibility of every element.”

“We have always believed in investing wisely, buying key pieces for our environment that are simultaneously examples of great design, high quality and timelessness, to create our people focused studio. I am delighted to witness how well the original USM (some over 25 years old) blends seamlessly with the newer elements, refreshing and revitalising our highly flexible working environment.”

When it was initially conceived, BDG’s design of Sea Containers was a blueprint for the transformation and repurposing of old buildings. The reuse of USM Haller at Sea Containers not only demonstrates the product’s modularity and enduring appeal, but also aligns closely to these original values, helping to lessen the environmental impact of the redesign and contributing to the complete integration of people, place, and purpose. 

If you want to purchase a USM Haller piece yourself design it now in our online configurator, or find your local sales partner here.