Beyond the Tuscan Villa and Glass House: Designing the Next Generation of Workplaces
By Robert Kroon
In the high-end residential world, there's a saying that all designs fall into one of two categories: the comfortable, rustic "Tuscan Villa" or the sleek, minimalist "Glass House." It’s a powerful analogy that gets to the heart of a design philosophy. Can this same lens be applied to the commercial office as well? I believe it can—and it’s the key to understanding the future of the agile workplace.
The most impactful office designs today are moving beyond a single aesthetic. They are strategically blending these two philosophies to create dynamic environments that support both productivity and well-being. Let’s explore these two archetypes and see how their union is shaping the next generation of office spaces.
Sleek concrete floors and glass walls that are softened by a large, reclaimed wood table
The "Tuscan Villa" Office
Imagine a workplace that feels less like a corporate building and more like a retreat. The "Tuscan Villa" office is built on a design philosophy that prioritizes warmth, history, and a deep connection to nature. This style embraces an earthy and warm palette, using rich woods, textured fabrics, and soft, ambient lighting. The aesthetic is often referred to as "resimercial," blending the comfort of residential design with the functionality of a commercial space.
The goal here is to create a sense of community and nourishment. These offices are designed to feel grounded and inviting, encouraging employees to relax, collaborate, and connect. Biophilic elements like living walls and abundant greenery are seamlessly integrated, making the space feel organic and restorative.
The "Glass House" Office
Now, imagine the opposite: a space defined by transparency, technology, and a connection to the world outside. The "Glass House" office is all about clarity, efficiency, and innovation. The design relies on clean lines, open floor plans, and a minimalist aesthetic. Materials like glass, steel, and polished concrete are used to create a sleek, modern environment that prioritizes visual connectivity and a seamless flow between spaces.
This type of office projects a fast-paced, forward-looking culture. The design removes physical barriers to encourage open collaboration and showcases a company's commitment to transparency. Technology is not hidden; it’s an integral part of the design, creating a workspace that is both visually stimulating and highly efficient.
The Power of a Hybrid Approach
The most effective modern offices rarely commit to a single one of these archetypes. Instead, they find a powerful middle ground. They use the "Glass House" as a foundation, leveraging open floor plans and transparent partitions to create a flexible, functional core. Then, they layer in "Tuscan Villa" elements to add warmth, comfort, and a human touch.
Think of an office with sleek concrete floors and glass walls that are softened by a large, reclaimed wood table in the collaboration zone or a living wall that defines a cozy lounge area. This hybrid approach creates a dynamic, layered design that is both highly functional and deeply human-centric.
Does your office design truly reflect your company's culture, or is it just a reflection of yesterday's trends? The future of the agile workplace lies in this strategic blending of styles, creating spaces that are as adaptable as they are inviting.
Ready to explore how to bring this vision to life? In our next post, we'll dive into how the hospitality industry is influencing these designs and why it's a key trend for the modern workplace.
August Berres’ CampFire desks are comfortably incorporated into a training room.
About the author:
Bob Kroon is a recognized thought leader and innovator with over 40 years of experience in the electro-mechanical and furniture industries. As the CEO and founder of August Berres, he aims to overcome the limitations of traditional building power by enabling the Agile Workplace through a smart power ecosystem.
Bob is passionate about advocating for technologies such as building microgrids, fault-managed power (FMP), and battery-powered Agile Furniture, which are transforming the design and utilization of commercial spaces. Under his leadership, a suite of innovative solutions has been introduced, including Respond!, Juce, CampFire, and Wallies. These products empower building owners, architects, and facility managers to retrofit buildings for today’s dynamic work environment.
