Kuehne + Nagel Laser Cut Map & Living Moss

Project Overview

For Kuehne + Nagel’s office, the design vision called for feature elements that felt both intentional and experiential—blending natural materials with precision fabrication. The result is a series of custom installations that combine laser-cut wood, architectural metal framing, and living moss surfaces across the break room, reception, and lobby.

Each element was fabricated to exacting tolerances, allowing natural materials to coexist with clean geometry and modern detailing.

Break Room Feature – Laser Cut Moss Map

A large-scale, laser-cut wall map serves as the centerpiece of the break room, offering both visual interest and acoustic softness.

• Multi-panel white oak construction
• Precision laser-cut map overlay
• Integrated cutout for wall-mounted TV
• Preserved dark sheet moss infill
• Matte black backer for contrast and depth

The layered construction creates dimensionality while maintaining a refined, architectural presence. Natural wood grain and moss texture soften the space without compromising the clean lines of the interior.

Reception Area – Custom Steel TV Structures

In the reception area, custom commercial metal fabrication provides a structural and visual framework for integrated displays.

• Powder-coated steel tube construction
• Floor-to-ceiling mounted posts with concealed plates
• Cross-member supports designed for future flexibility

The minimal steel profile keeps the focus on the architecture while providing long-term durability and stability in a high-traffic environment.

Lobby Feature – Living Moss Wall

The lobby installation introduces biophilic design at scale through a preserved moss wall designed to support future signage.

• Quiet Earth dark sheet moss
• Precision-cut backer panels
• Pre-drilled layout for client-provided graphics
• Clean, modular panelization for seamless installation

The result is a calming, natural backdrop that enhances arrival experience while aligning with the overall material palette of the space.

Fabrication & Coordination

From early design assist through final delivery, this project required close coordination across disciplines.

• Design-assist collaboration to align materials and constructability
• Detailed shop drawings to coordinate mounting, spacing, and tolerances
• Value engineering to balance design intent with budget requirements
• Fabrication sequencing aligned with site readiness
• Logistics planning to ensure damage-free delivery

All elements were fabricated off-site and delivered ready for installation by others, supporting schedule efficiency and minimizing on-site disruption.

Materiality & Craft

This project highlights the balance between natural materials and technical precision:

• White oak millwork fabricated with consistent grain orientation
• Laser-cut detailing executed for clean edges and tight alignment
• Preserved moss selected for color consistency and longevity
• Metal components finished in matte black for durability and contrast

Each material was chosen not only for aesthetics, but for long-term performance in a commercial environment.

A Collaborative Outcome

The success of this project reflects early collaboration between designer, fabricator, and contractor—allowing creative intent to guide technical decisions.

By engaging fabrication partners early, the design team preserved the clarity of their vision while ensuring efficient production and installation coordination.

Looking Ahead

Projects like this demonstrate how architectural millwork and decorative metal fabrication can do more than fill a space—they can define it.

When designers and builders collaborate early, custom fabrication becomes an asset rather than a risk, delivering spaces that feel intentional, refined, and enduring.