Astroscale Opens a Future-Forward Headquarters in Denver

Tokyo-based company Astroscale specializes in satellite servicing and the removal of debris from outer space – hardly a standard enterprise – and the design of the organization’s United States headquarters called for thinking outside of the corporate box. Neoera was tasked with the adaptive reuse project focusing on preserving the character of the original building and creating a modern hub to support future-forward thinking and innovation.

Located in Denver, Colorado, the new 13,500-square-foot workplace is set in a 1910 former train depot, complete with original timber and masonry. It is a site that weaves the past, present, and future of travel together, from locomotives to rocketships. “The structure is tied to history and yet there’s also the promise of what’s ahead for the aerospace industry, and we wanted to reference both,” says Emily Adams, founder and design director of Neoera.

The office features three distinct bays: north, central, and south. The central bay echoes the main control and communication system of a satellite. Because of the sensitive nature of the work, maintaining confidentiality is a key concern, but here, employees and visitors can gather in a variety of spaces. A highlight is the Mission Operations Room, the base of satellite operations, which individuals can watch live in real-time.

The designers didn’t embrace the typical elements associated with galactic style, such as all-white, sterile settings on one end of the spectrum and high-shine metallics on the other. Instead, they decided to celebrate Astroscale’s Japanese roots with sliding and pivoting polycarbonate Shoji screens. These blue partitions are integrated throughout, which allow users to form adaptable environments that can be updated as needed.

In the north and south bays there’s a mix of open workstations and private offices to support heads-down tasks and collaboration. Rather than one or two signature brand tones, color-blocking was used to enliven the hub. Pops of purple and poppy red in phone booths and huddle rooms add vibrancy.

Staff can socialize with colleagues and clients in a Star Trek-themed cocktail bar and a lounge that pays homage to Star Wars (think a sophisticated version of the Mos Eisley cantina). An exterior landscaped section, dubbed the Zen Garden, is a place of respite, complete with bamboo plantings, water fountain, lounge, and fire pit.

Even in an expansive headquarters for 100-plus employees, there’s not only a palpable energy, but a strong connection to people, place, and culture. “We were really able to foster a sense of community through design,” Adams notes.

For more information on Neoera or the Astroscale project, visit neoerainc.com.

Photography by Justin Martin.