Custom Consoles M Desk Technical chosen for Microsoft security centre
June 1, 2007 Custom Consoles has completed a major corporate furnishing project for Microsoft's UK headquarters at Thames Valley Park, Reading. Six desks from the recently-introduced M Desk Technical range were installed in an 84 square metre Security Operations Centre accommodating eight operators and two supervisors. All six desks are finished in maple with hard-wearing graphite-grey Marmoleum worksurfaces and matching extruded edging. Gary Fuller, Custom Consoles Ltd , +44 (0)1525 379 909 
Positioned as two groups of two forming the front and middle row, the four operator desks are identical in design. Both supervisor desks are mounted on a raised platform at the rear of the room. All ten positions are equipped with three Ergotron adjustable monitor arms also supplied by Custom Consoles. These are fitted to the rear of each desk and support 19 inch LCD screens. Each worksurface also accommodates a laptop computer dock. The contract also included matching Marmoleum-finished storage surfaces for existing grey storage cabinets.
Custom Consoles' M Desk Technical range was chosen by London-based project management consultancy Workplace Designs Ltd.
"We approached four workstation manufacturers before deciding on Custom Consoles," comments Project Manager Louise Wood of Workplace Designs. "We visited their factory in Leighton Buzzard and were impressed by the design and strength of their desks. M Desk Technical offered exactly the facilities we needed, including high structural quality and easy access to cable ducts."
"The facility will be used 24/7 so robustness and good ergonomic design were important issues," adds colleague Andrew Sapio. "Cost was obviously a factor but also it was very much the people. Custom Consoles listened to our ideas and came up with a solution that was exactly right for us."
M Desk Technical is a structured system allowing bespoke security furniture to be configured from a range of standard modules combined with user-specified work-surface dimensions. The range of modules includes 13U high 19 inch equipment pedestals and free-standing 19 inch desktop pods. Features include a 900 mm deep work surface, heavy cable management and flat screen mounting. Removable access panels can be located at the front or rear.
Three-layer horizontal cable management can be routed along the entire width of the desk with access via an intermediate leg or pedestal. Alternatively three-compartment trunking can be fitted. M Desk Technical is available in maple veneer or textured grey sprayed finished with a choice of Marmoleum work surface colours. Legs are Custom Consoles' proven M Desk aluminium extrusions with integral cable ducting.
Designed around BS EN ISO9241-5 ergonomic requirements and manufactured in Britain, M Desk Technical is available within typical lead times of 14 to 21 working days from design-approval.
Workplace Designs Ltd specialises in the design and effective use of space within the workplace. The company was established in 1997 to offer professional consultancy, design solutions and support for a broad spectrum of businesses. WDL provides complete design solutions directly to its clients and maintains partnerships with other practices where the provision of a supporting design and CAD facility is paramount.
Founded in 1996, Custom Consoles Ltd is an independent company manufacturing a broad range of control room and office furniture. This includes motorised, manually- adjustable and fixed-height units plus fan-cooled sound-insulated equipment housings. Custom Consoles has built its name in the design and manufacture of bespoke furniture to a client base that includes major broadcasters in Britain, mainland Europe and the Far East. The high quality and ergonomic efficiency of Custom Consoles furniture are recognised by other industries such as security, air traffic control, process control, corporate training and network monitoring. Based in Bedfordshire, England, Custom Consoles Ltd is active worldwide.
Media contacts:
David Kirk, Stylus Media Consultants, +44 (0)1342 311 983