Tambour, Tile, and Plants - Designing Custom Furniture for Midstation’s Atrium

Midstation in Bellevue is anchored by a large central atrium with wood panel walls, oversized planters lining the walkways, and generous natural light. The fourth-floor amenity space, visible from every higher level, needed a statement piece that could act as a visual anchor while still working hard as everyday furniture.

Amenity Design Goals

The Brief: Create a high-performance element that elevates the common area in harmony with the architecture.

The piece needed to:

• Read as a sculptural focal point from multiple floors

• Support quick touchdown work, coffee chats, and informal meetings

• Sit comfortably within the existing palette of wood, greenery, and daylight

Our team partnered with JPC Architects and Unico to develop a bar-height table that hit the marks of function and form. Outfitted with integrated power and bag hooks along the length, the table invites tenants who are looking for a change of scenery.

Design Iterations: Material, Tone, and Alignment

To keep the new piece in conversation with the building, we wrapped the table base in tambour wood, echoing the surrounding walls. An integrated planter runs through the center of the table, extending the language of the large planters along the walkways and pulling greenery into the lounge. In order to hide power cords, allow cord access, and account for the planter position, we designed a magnetic, hidden door in the tambour.

Because the amenity lounge is visible from all floors, proportion and detailing were critical. Our team rendered multiple iterations, testing:

• Tambour tone and size to avoid visual noise against existing wall treatments

• Tile shade, size, and alignment where it meets the tambour, so transitions feel intentional rather than busy

• Countertop material and edge profiles to balance durability and a refined silhouette

These rounds of iteration allowed us to tune the piece until it felt in harmony with the architectural finishes while still distinct enough to register as a destination.

Fabrication and Installation in an Occupied Building

Our fabrication partner, NK Build, began construction in their South Seattle shop. To navigate the atrium access and protect finished surfaces, the wood base was engineered in two sections. A welded metal planter insert was sized, cut, and detailed to allow adequate drainage and planting depth, while also preventing leaks.

On site, the base components were brought into the atrium and assembled in stages. The planter insert was set and aligned, then the countertop was installed and carefully fit to the planter opening. This phased installation minimized disruption in the active building and allowed for precise coordination with existing flooring, power locations, and circulation paths.

Results: Custom Furniture that Activates the Atrium

The completed piece brings warmth and character to the heart of Midstation’s atrium. From above, the table reads as a strong element helping to organize the large volume. At ground level, the combination of power, comfortable standing height, and integrated greenery makes it a natural magnet for tenants moving through the building.

For designers and developers focused on providing tenants with inviting and flexible amenities, this project illustrates how a single, well-considered custom furniture piece can transform a pass-through atrium into a shared hub for the building.