Many organisations today are rethinking their office spaces – not just as places to work, but as environments that can support people, spark creativity, and drive business goals. All too often, it’s the outdated layouts, uninspiring design, and a lack of collaborative spaces that stand in the way of this, draining productivity and making it harder to attract and retain talent. These issues had become pressing for the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a fast-growing organisation with a strong commitment to sustainability. DMCC needed a new head office that could foster connection, reflect their values, and grow alongside their team.
Summertown was brought in to turn their vision into reality; tasked with transforming DMCC’s 3,200-square-metre space in Uptown Tower into a dynamic, sustainable fit out. This case study shares how we made it happen – offering insights for anyone considering a similar transformation, or those looking to optimise their own office. DMCC’s journey reveals the possibilities that can open up when a workspace is truly designed to support people and purpose.
Enhancing Connectivity and Communication
A key objective for DMCC’s new office was to create a space that fostered connectivity and encouraged open communication – a vital need for an organisation that thrives on global trade and networking. DMCC envisioned a workspace where employees could easily interact, connect across teams, and engage with external partners. Our role was to execute this vision by transforming Roar’s design into a functional, collaborative environment.
The office layout was designed with open-plan workspaces to allow for seamless movement and spontaneous conversations between colleagues. Breakout areas, informal seating zones, and
strategically placed lounges created natural gathering points, encouraging team members to connect and exchange ideas. Our bespoke fit-out work ensured these areas were built to a high standard, with quality finishes and flexible furniture throughout; allowing the spaces to adapt easily for various uses.
Private meeting rooms and semi-private collaboration areas were also included to support focused group work and confidential discussions, balancing the open-plan design with quieter, more intimate settings. By carefully fitting out these collaborative spaces, we were able to create a dynamic workspace that enabled communication and strengthened connections within the organisation.
Creating a Comfortable and Productive Environment
In addition to fostering connectivity, DMCC wanted a workspace that would provide comfort and support productivity. The goal was to create an environment that employees would enjoy—one that felt welcoming, professional, and conducive to focused work. Our sustainable fit out prioritised elements that contribute to a positive work experience, such as ergonomic furniture, flexible work zones, and acoustically optimised areas to minimise noise distractions.
Custom joinery played a defining role in shaping the atmosphere, accounting for approximately 80% of the workspace’s visual impact. A soft grey colour palette was used – complemented by natural marble finishes and subtle accents in the furniture – to create a calm and sophisticated setting. This cohesive aesthetic approach made the space feel inviting and balanced, achieving the right mix of professionalism and warmth.
Research shows that access to natural light can boost mood and focus, which is why DMCC’s office was designed with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise daylight and offer panoramic views across Dubai’s skyline. This emphasis on natural light made the workspace more motivating and uplifting for employees. Through our interior fit out, we ensured that every element—from custom joinery to carefully considered lighting—contributed to a workspace that balances comfort with productivity.
Committing to Sustainability and Environmental Goals
Sustainability was another core priority for DMCC. From the start, they aimed to achieve LEED Gold certification for their new headquarters in Uptown Tower – a globally recognised standard for green buildings. This certification requires strict environmental practices in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality, and Summertown played an essential role in aligning the fit-out with these requirements.
To support DMCC’s sustainability goals, we incorporated a range of eco-friendly features throughout the project. Energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and sustainable materials were carefully chosen to minimise environmental impact while ensuring a high-quality finish. The use of locally sourced and environmentally friendly materials helped reduce the office’s carbon footprint, aligning with DMCC’s commitment to responsible resource management.
These sustainable choices have created a healthier, more energy-efficient workspace for DMCC, with features like floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise natural light to support employee well-being and reduce reliance on artificial lighting. This sustainable fit out sets a benchmark for interior fit out companies in Dubai aiming to build environmentally sustainable workplaces. By creating a space that prioritises both environmental responsibility and occupant health, this project demonstrates how thoughtful, eco-friendly design can enhance productivity, boost morale, and inspire other organisations to make sustainability a core part of their office environments.
Designing for Future Flexibility
It was essential for DMCC’s new headquarters to be flexible and adaptable, providing a workspace that could evolve alongside the organisation’s needs. With business demands changing faster than ever, flexibility in office design has become crucial; allowing companies to respond to shifts in team structure, work styles, and organisational growth. Our fit-out work focused on creating a space that could easily adapt to any future changes within DMCC’s head office.
The open-plan design and modular furniture enabled DMCC to reconfigure spaces as needed – whether to accommodate new team members or create different types of work environments. By using high-quality, durable, and adaptable materials, we ensured the office could withstand everyday use while remaining stylish and functional over time. Semi-private and private areas were designed to be easily reconfigured, providing DMCC with the flexibility to meet evolving demands without major renovations.
By delivering a fit-out solution that supported long-term adaptability, Summertown helped DMCC build a workspace that was not only functional for today but ready for the future. This flexible approach maximised the value of DMCC’s investment, ensuring their workspace will continue to align with their goals as they grow.
A Model for Modern Workspaces
DMCC’s new headquarters at Uptown Tower showcases the transformative potential of a thoughtfully executed interior fit out. Designed to foster connectivity, support productivity, prioritise sustainability, and offer flexibility for the future, the space was tailored to meet DMCC’s unique needs and values. Every detail – from open-plan areas and collaborative zones that encourage communication to sustainable materials that minimise environmental impact – was carefully considered to create a workspace aligned with DMCC’s goals.
This sustainable fit out highlights the impact that strategically planned spaces can have on collaboration, well-being, and organisational culture. As companies increasingly seek workspaces that support both people and purpose, DMCC’s new headquarters stands as an inspiring example of how a well-designed office can become a strategic asset – enhancing not only day-to-day function but also long-term vision.
Explore how a modern fit out can integrate sustainability, flexibility, and well-being into your office environment – contact Summertown today to create a workspace that truly reflects your commitment to people and planet.
