Did you know the floors we walk on every day can influence our health, productivity, and mood? While most of us spend a large portion of our day in offices, we rarely think about how interior design—especially sustainable flooring—can elevate the quality of our work environment. But this awareness is growing, and it's transforming how we view modern workplaces.

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That’s precisely what inspired Biserka Silić Matošević and her team at Dizajn Pod to create a unique flooring concept for the newly opened offices of Lesaffre, a global leader in food fermentation. Nestled in the heart of Zagreb, these striking offices combine creative design with eco-conscious flooring solutions such as low-impact textile coverings and increasingly popular LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) floors. The result? A workplace that’s not only visually stunning but actively contributes to employee health and wellbeing.

Flooring That Boosts Focus, Wellness & Efficiency

Offices today are more than places to work—they're environments that shape the mental and physical well-being of the people in them. Interior design, particularly flooring, plays a critical role in creating spaces that promote comfort, efficiency, and productivity. The new Lesaffre Adriatic offices in Zagreb are a prime example of this modern approach, blending function, aesthetics, and sustainability into a space that motivates and supports employees.

Lesaffre operates in over 80 countries, with 11,000 employees representing 96 nationalities. The Adriatic branch was established in Croatia in 2000, following the acquisition of a former Pliva production facility, with a yeast-making tradition dating back 150 years.

Thanks to the expertise of Dizajn Pod, led by Albert Matošević and Biserka Silić Matošević, the space has been transformed using professional flooring solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and highly functional.

“Our family business is rooted in a mission to create interiors that positively influence the people who use them. Floors are often overlooked in design, yet they play a crucial role—from acoustics and insulation to environmental and health benefits,” says Biserka. “This project reflects a growing desire to reconnect with nature and tradition, and I’m proud we managed to blend natural materials, sustainability, and top-tier design into a space that enhances comfort, reduces fatigue, and supports wellbeing.”

Yeast as a Design Muse

From the moment you step into Lesaffre’s fermentation center, located on the seventh floor of a Zagreb high-rise, there’s a sense of warmth and welcome—just like their baked goods. This isn't just an office; it's a multifunctional innovation hub that serves both as a demonstration and training center for clients and as a research and development lab for new baking solutions.

Architectural studio EL BE, led by Lucija Puljić and Bojana Anđić, was responsible for guiding the project from the rough-build phase to completion. Their concept was inspired—quite literally—by yeast and the fermentation process.

“We envisioned the interior as a visual expression of yeast—the core of Lesaffre’s identity,” says architect Lucija Puljić. “This came to life through circular spatial design and elements like perforated ceilings, which guide movement through the zones and reflect the organic rhythm of fermentation.”

A Quiet Revolution in Office Design

Noise is one of the biggest disruptors in office environments. That’s why creating calm, focused spaces has become a top priority. The use of Milliken textile flooring by Dizajn Pod helped meet this need with materials that improve acoustics, reduce noise, and create a serene work environment.

Milliken’s carpets feature a built-in cushion that reduces noise by up to 50% compared to standard flooring, improving concentration and comfort. They’re also easy to maintain and fully carbon-neutral—reinforcing the commitment to environmental responsibility.

“For over 15 years, we’ve collaborated with industry leaders like Milliken, setting new standards in flooring,” says Biserka. “Our textile and LVT products are not only comfortable but also ergonomic—like our WellBAC carpet backing, which reduces muscle strain by 24% compared to hard floors. It’s small details like these that make a big difference in high-use workspaces.”

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This project is yet another testament to Dizajn Pod’s ability to push the boundaries of office design. The Lesaffre offices in Zagreb serve as a perfect model for how thoughtful materials and smart design can reflect brand identity, support employee wellness, and set a benchmark for sustainable interior innovation.