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We were proud to work with a client who is one of the longest established private equity firms investing in high-quality mid-market European industries including healthcare, industrials, and consumer sectors, with the long-term ambition of driving transformational change.
An integrated, open, and flexible approach allows the business to collaborate freely across countries and sectors. Their vision is to maximise investment choice whilst minimising pressure, with a one team approach.
Previously situated in a central location that boasted the most impressive views across London, employees were divided into two wings, imposing a visual and communication disconnect.
The semi-cellular nature of company operations meant they had outgrown their existing space, with very little room for employee wellbeing areas, and required a variety of smaller meeting rooms fully equipped with AV and VC facilities.
The brief was clear from the outset; an aim to provide the client with a sensational new workspace design that emphasises a stunning and functional interior, providing employees and clients with an inspiring and destination workplace to be proud of.
The new design creates an impressive and memorable experience for visitors that is in keeping with the discretion required for their industry. It was imperative the space was impactful, contemporary, functional, and timeless whilst improving communication between teams through line of sight. Key features include an impactful boardroom and a destination breakout and tea point area for employees.
There were three clear elements to the brief; firstly, to create an elegant, timeless, and contemporary front of house meeting suite with the gravitas expected of a leading private equity firm. It was imperative this space is separate from the employee areas for confidentiality reasons.
Secondly to design an integrated workplace including open plan desking, internal meeting room ‘bolt holes’ and a dedicated employee breakout area, a key space which was limited in the existing office.
And finally, connect workplace and visitor areas with a cohesive reception, creating a memorable front of house experience.
The reception features a four-metre-high ceiling with a recessed triangulated ceiling grid, lacquered and timber wall panels, timber cladding, and biophilia framing the reception desk. From the reception stems a dramatic 44-metre corridor, which evolved into a design feature through use of asymmetrical 1100 timbers slats, creating a journey throughout with deep meeting door alcoves aiding a sense of rhythm, and a two-metre-high bonsai tree establishing a unique focal point.
In the dedicated breakout areas is a library ‘snug’ complete with four-metre ceilings and a full height timber bookcase, providing a space for employees to reflect, host informal meetings and relax with colleagues.
Biophilic design was used throughout, an important feature to the scheme and was integral to bring energy and vitality into the space – an element the client was lacking from the previous office location.
Due to the scale of the company and the international nature of their business, audio and visual technology and acoustics were essential for hosting across the globe.
Seeing the design come to life through weekly site meetings, particularly front of house corridor, reception, and breakout areas were a highlight for me. The collaborative process with the architect and client has created a beautiful space we are all proud of.
Our previous knowledge of the site having completed the strip out of the previous office provided extensive knowledge of the building and vision of the space. Our team worked collaboratively with the client’s consultants including Architects Manolo + White.
Acknowledging the client’s commitment to integrating responsible principles into everyday operations to bring about long-term benefits for colleagues, investors and wider society was essential. Peldon Rose designed a workplace that is fully inclusive and welcoming with DDA facilities to include additional accessible WCs and knee spaces within the main tea-point.
The project is expected to receive a Fitwel 2-star rating through integrated design of areas such as a dedicated wellness room, the addition of showers and locker rooms with extensive interior planting throughout.
Managing the environmental impact of the project was another key aspect of the brief. Making considered choices, such as the installation of energy saving lighting fittings and control systems and new sensor taps, while sourcing materials manufactured in the UK ensured that the client could adhere to sound ESG principles.
A stunning and impactful project that was won and delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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