A Refined Material Backdrop for a Modern Workplace

Ekoa wall surfaces at a nonprofit office, State Street, New York, New York

Nonprofit Offices — Financial District, NYC

Specifier: BR Design
Vertical: Workplace
Location: New York, New York

Product: Ekoa in Dune
Installation: Walls
Scale: 216 SF

Impact

CO2 sequestered

equivalent annual carbon uptake

Detail of Ekoa wall surfaces at a nonprofit office, New York, New York

The design challenge

In a busy Financial District office, the goal was to create a workplace that felt polished and inviting without losing the clarity and efficiency an active office demands. The interior pairs clean architectural lines with natural wood, glass, greenery, and soft furnishings—calling for a wall surface that could add material character without overwhelming the space.

Material solution

Ekoa in Dune brings a subtle fiber grain and depth to the walls, complementing the palette rather than competing with it. The warm neutral tone works naturally alongside the light wood and muted furnishings, creating a backdrop that feels considered and contemporary.

Reception area with Ekoa wall in Dune and blue chairs

“We wanted to explore something beyond the usual material choices for a nonprofit office lobby in NYC, and Ekoa was a great fit. Its warm tones and organic grain brought natural character to the space. Sustainability was an important consideration across the project, so Ekoa’s story was an added plus.

The client and office team were happy with how it all came together, and we were pleased with the finished installation. It’s a distinctive material that brings together thoughtful design and a compelling sustainability story.”

Lisbeth Lorberbaum, NCIDQ, WELLAP, MWBE

Design Principal, Draft & Scale Design Studio

Experience in the space

The Ekoa feature wall helps define a more approachable workplace environment in the reception area. The material adds visual dimension to the surface, while its restrained flax-grain pattern keeps the overall look sophisticated and clean.

Sustainability & healthy interiors

Choosing Ekoa meant including a material that can support the health of the people using the space every day. Made from rapidly renewable flax and plant-based resins, it contributes to cleaner air. It is Red List Free and Clean Air GOLD certified, with an ultra-low VOC profile and documented material transparency through its EPD and HPD.

Installation & detailing

Ekoa was applied across the wall to create a continuous material backdrop in a busy reception space. The sheet format supports clean, precise installation, while the subtle flax detail provides visual variation without introducing a busy pattern.

Outcome & impact

The finished workplace balances crisp modern architecture with a more tactile material presence. Ekoa in Dune gives the walls a distinctive point of view while fitting seamlessly into the broader palette — proof that a functional office can also tell a dimensional material story.