Cork versatility as a Central Element in Contemporary Workspaces

Mafferis Office

Cork versatility as a Central Element in Contemporary Workspaces

Applied in flooring and wall coverings, Wicanders solutions help create more welcoming, functional, and inspiring workspaces. Case Studies

At Maferis Office, the new office project located in Cascais, cork plays a role that goes far beyond its traditional function. Designed by the architectural firm João Tiago Aguiar Arquitectos, the space explores cork’s potential as a solution for contemporary offices and work environments, where comfort, well-being, and visual harmony play an essential role.

To bring this vision to life, the Identity NightShade and Identity Moonlight solutions from the Cork Inspire line were used, along with the Identity Moonlight design from the Cork Pure Floor & Wall line, applied to both flooring and wall coverings. Their use helped create a warm and contemporary atmosphere, reinforcing the sense of balance and cohesion throughout the space. In addition, cork’s natural texture and distinctive aesthetic add depth and authenticity to the interiors, helping to create a more pleasant and inspiring environment for day-to-day work.

In addition to its visual appeal, cork offers benefits that are particularly relevant for office environments. Its natural sound insulation properties help reduce noise within spaces by up to 67%* and minimize sound transmission to the floor below by up to 16 dB / 21 ΔIIC. As a result, Wicanders flooring and wall coverings promote conditions that are more conducive to concentration, communication, and collaboration.

At the same time, the comfort they provide when walking and standing contributes to a more comfortable and balanced experience throughout the workday.

The use of cork also addresses the growing demand for more sustainable materials that align with the principles of contemporary architecture. As a natural, renewable, and bio-based resource, cork combines technical performance, comfort, and environmental responsibility in a single solution. In addition to contributing to better indoor air quality, it has a negative carbon footprint of up to -2.46 kg CO2eq/m²**.

The result is a work environment where design, functionality, and well-being coexist harmoniously. This project demonstrates how Wicanders solutions can help redefine contemporary workspaces by combining design, comfort, acoustic performance, and sustainability into an integrated, people-centered experience.

*Noise reduction inside the room – Compared to the EPLF (European Producers of Laminate Flooring Association) requirement for RWS (radiated footfall noise) < 110 sone.
** EPD-ACF-20220040-ICA1-EN