CDS Wilman – Unity Sky Lounge Bar, Milton Keynes

Text provided by CDS Wilman

The Unity Sky Lounge was a visionary endeavour for CDS Wilman, whose mission was to craft Milton Keynes’ inaugural Sky Lounge, open not only to Santander staff but to all – fostering an enduring sense of community and interaction. The brief was to create a scheme with two identities: an alfresco British tapas bar and a coworking space for Santander-execs, meaning that multifunctionality was paramount.Bold contrasts of black and white form the backdrop, punctuated by neutral and daring accents, textured fabrics and plush carpeting by EGE (composed of regenerated nylon waste). Blush and green hues are mellowed by neutral fixtures and grounded by the rich darkness of the flooring, while artwork infuses vibrant splashes of colour.

When designing Unity Sky Lounge (envisioned as a multi-purpose destination bringing together community, business and leisure), CDS Wilman partnered with eco-conscious suppliers such as EGGER, Johnstones and Protocol, alongside local subcontractors to further support the local economy. Needing to keep the space feel as open and flexible as possible, planting dividers have also been carefully used to create different seating zones, while guiding the customer through the space and adding a biophilic touch.