Habit
Oakland, CA
Habit is a compelling food/science technology company promising to revolutionize the self-health industry through a deeper knowledge of personalized biology. With the success of Plum Organics, Neil Grimmer and David Lacy approached Arcsine for the development of a 15,000 square foot facility near Jack London Square for the foreseeable growth of the company. Complete with open office space, conference rooms, fitness center, multiple lounges and ‘huddle’ stations, Habit has all the tech-office trimmings plus a show kitchen for guest chefs and communal food wellness/prep classes.
With a strong emphasis on the science behind health and wellness, the design direction leaned toward a clean, almost clinical, minimalism. At reception an atom-like light fixture sits over a Caesar stone desk with the Habit spoon brandishing one wall. Upon entry, 17 feet warehouse ceilings are immediately appreciated and contribute to the expansive feel of the space. To the left of reception the room opens up to a 700 square foot show kitchen. With characteristic industrial style, Habit includes polished concrete, black dining chairs and stools surrounding extended walnut table tops. A 6-top gas range is central to the room, with seats around the 60 square foot island. The kitchen’s seating capacity is 42.
Glass paned walls are a consistent design theme giving transparency to multiple conference rooms, the gym and mezzanine offices that overlook the communal office space below. To warm and personalize the space large planters of greenery are scattered throughout and lounge areas were created to add comfortable respites for staff or guests. An outdoor oasis is visible from the inside but is utilized as an outdoor access point for private calls or meetings.
69 desks occupy the central room with bistro height workstations flanking the room and huddle stations for groups to grab a short stool and commune around a whiteboard.
Plentiful bike storage encourages the active commuter lifestyle as well as a gym that will offer yoga classes, cycling machines, tread mills, free weights and full bathing facilities – showers, changing rooms and an additional wellness room.