A BRAND JOURNEY
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits is celebrated for its craftsmanship and storied heritage. At the heart of the company is its purpose: to inspire the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.
DB&B Singapore was tasked by Suntory Global Spirits to design and build its new 18,000 square feet Singapore office to reflect the brand’s premium positioning, while offering a fluid and collaborative office for 150 employees.
DESIGNING AN EXPERIENTIAL WALKWAY
One of the project’s challenges involved the design of an experiential walkway at the entrance, intended to offer a glimpse into the world of Suntory Global Spirits and its meticulous art of whiskey.
Our goal was to craft an exciting, illuminating space where Suntory Global Spirits’s extraordinary craftsmanship and story would shine. Drawing inspiration from elements of Japanese and American craft, the walkway features tactile wooden barrels and a dynamic video mural within an expansive display of the brand’s history, processes, and products.
Each stage of the whiskey-making process is artistically expressed through graphics and narration, inviting staff and guests to gain a deeper appreciation of the company.
GROUNDED BY HERITAGE, ELEVATED BY DESIGN
One of the office’s highlights is the Suntory Global Spirits Enso bar, setting the stage for inspiring conversations.
Its unique aesthetic blends the company’s rich heritage with contemporary touches. The bar features a striking Japanese-inspired trellis pattern and a hanging pendant light adorned with washi paper.
Natural materials of timber and stone, along with a vintage mirror ceiling, create an atmosphere of sophistication and depth. The wooden ceiling features studs, in a subtle nod to the motif of wooden barrels. A section of the bar was specially designed with a lower counter height for tasting events, and the seating options surrounding the bar . The enable the space to be used flexibly for events.
DB&B’s design and factory teams also researched and handcrafted the armrests to add a touch of luxe to the seating. Sleek lighting elements were also thoughtfully placed to illuminate the intricate details of the collections of spirits.
FLUID SPACES FOR WORK AND INTERACTION
Equipped with a variety of work settings, the work area is tailored around the concept of fluidity to ensure an organic flow. From private nooks to collaborative break-out areas, the energetic environment supports hybrid working and teamwork.
Departing from the conventional reception set-up, a concierge area was designed to double up as a reception counter to foster social interaction.
Extending the interior concept, the carpets connecting the bar and office mimic flowing water, aligning seamlessly with the concept of fluidity.
Meeting rooms have also been designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. Acoustic panels feature curved designs to represent fluidity along with patterns inspired by Japanese designs.
The office offers imaginative casual spaces. Lockers showcase Suntory Global Spirits brands and a breakout room features a lively graphic wall highlighting Suntory Global Spirits’s corporate values, encouraging employees to delve deeper into its philosophy.
Adding personality to the office is a mural artwork reflecting the meeting of East and West cultures at Suntory Global Spirits and the company’s commitment to embracing diversity and creating connections.
THE SUSTAINABLE VISION
In line with our client’s vision, we integrated the reuse of existing elements – the greenery – from Suntory Global Spirits’s old office into the new space as well as selected loose furniture.
The lush display of foliage brings a touch of nature indoors, creating a calming and inviting ambience. The greenery fosters a sense of well-being and purifies the air, offering a refreshing environment for employees and guests. The concierge area is transformed into a beacon of sustainability, aligning with the company’s commitment to the environment.
Since its completion in mid-2023, Suntory Global Spirits’s new office has been well received by employees and guests, becoming a talking point for its vibrant design and reflection of the values and qualities of the Suntory Global Spirits corporate brand.
