BOSSE: compact for more space

My very first working day as a young design journalist began in an open-plan office, and in the following years, I would get to know the advantages and disadvantages of this office concept up close. On the one hand, the open space makes a variety of uses possible, with very different workplace configurations able to be realised.

In addition, a large, open space undoubtedly promotes communication and cooperation among employees. On the other hand, for some tasks, you simply need quiet to be able to concentrate. Even conversations between two or three people a few desks away can be quite disruptive.

Colleagues who need quiet as well as groups of two, three or more people need to be able to work in parallel at any time in an open-space office. The solution here is a modularly designed, highly adaptable and technically sophisticated room-in-room system. And it is precisely in this area that Bosse brings many years of experience to the table.

Founded in 1962 by Günter Bosse, the German company based in Höxter has been part of the Dauphin Group for over 30 years. For over 20 years, Bosse has been producing its ‘Modul Space’ support tube system furniture. And the concept of room-in-room systems can now also be considered a classic of the brand. They create important quiet zones for concentrated and creative work.

The latest room system from Bosse is called Cube 4.0 and comes in six different sizes. The smallest module allows for undisturbed telephoning. Compact individual workstations and Cubes in two sizes with upholstered benches are intended for smaller team meetings. Hence their names ‘Dialogue’ and ’Collaboration’. Larger meetings meanwhile can be held in the Cube 4.0 Meeting or the Cube 4.0 Session.

Bosse Managing Director André Heuer, who has been running the company for 15 years, attaches particular importance to the aspects of ‘Made in Germany’ and sustainability. ‘For chipboard, metal components, glass, control boxes and electronic components, we rely exclusively on suppliers in the surrounding area.’ says Heuer, and the aluminium used is produced in an environmentally friendly way via the Hydro Reduxa process with the help of hydroelectric power.

Strategies such as these result in only a quarter of the usual CO2 pollution. Sustainability, however, also means longevity, which results from a combination of aesthetic clarity, functionality and repairability. ‘Our products are designed to last for generations, in every respect,’ continues Heuer, so anyone choosing a room module from the Cube 4.0 family is making a decision for decades.

The uncompromising minimalism of the outer form is striking and immediately catches the eye: cubic, technoid, timeless. But a closer look reveals more and more detailed solutions, all of which aim to individualise each Cube to different types of architecture and to make the time spent in them – working, discussing, designing – as pleasant as possible: in other words, technology that serves people, a ‘human space’.

The entire electrification and control management is based on a ‘plug and play’ system and is equipped with the respective, country-specific plugs. The control housing is splash-proof and the control box, which is based on KNX-BUS technology, enables centralised control of the lighting system embedded in the ceiling as well as ventilation functions.

The room climate in the cubes is optimised – independent of the building – by a quietly operating, energy-efficient ventilation system. Integrated centrally in the ceiling, a fan unit draws out old air while supplying fresh air. To improve air quality, the so-called ‘ION Cloud’ can be installed, whereby negatively charged ions can, for example, neutralise certain viruses and bacteria.

Moving on to the important subject of acoustics, the white, acoustically effective ceiling in each case ensures sound insulation, so that all staff members can work undisturbed. The acoustic modules, which are fitted with a high-performance absorber, ensure pleasant reverberation time. The Bosse Cube 4.0, for example, achieves – depending on the building structure – a sound level difference of up to 38 dB.

When it comes to colours, textiles, metals and lacquers, they are all available in a multitude of variants and make the units adaptable to any conceivable office style. The possibilities are so numerous, that it certainly makes sense to take the time to visit bosse online to learn more.

© Architonic

Head to the Architonic Magazine for more insights on the latest products, trends and practices in architecture and design.