Following the merger of 2 separate companies, Beyond Housing were looking to integrate both into their Redcar premises and completely change the way they use it, creating a welcoming, agile environment that encouraged colleagues to collaborate and work together in a new way. The existing layout was essentially made up of 3 very separate areas on each floor, with poor connectivity between areas and departments. They wanted to create a Sense of Place and belonging for all colleagues, a welcoming comfortable place with tech solutions to enable people to easily undertake their day-to-day jobs. Our design reflected Beyond Housings’ roots in Community housing, taking a lead from Urban planning principles, creating Avenues, streets, neighbourhoods, a Village green and a Town Hall. The Customer Experience area reflected Redcar’s heritage and coastal aesthetic.
Building Interiors first undertook extensive workplace consultancy with the leadership team and colleagues alike, to ascertain exactly what was important to be included in the new scheme. We took that information and implemented it into the design to create ‘The Workplace of the Future’. We created 360-degree 3D visuals so that the client could ‘virtually’ walk around the new spaces to give them a full understanding of the scheme. Beyond Housing were keen to include their colleagues on the design journey, so they held Roadshow workshops where the colleagues were presented with the finished designs, for these we provided sample boxes, visuals, and sample furniture. Colleagues’ comments were then fed back to us and included in the final scheme.
We fully stripped out the building in readiness for a full fit-out including, new suspended and feature ceilings, Meeting rooms, Toilet and shower facility relocations, presentation and agile working areas and community breakout spaces. We also provided and integrated all the furniture into the scheme.
Building Interiors put together a dedicated project team to oversee the scheme. This included a Project Manager, Lead Designer and Furniture coordinator, importantly, we also had our dedicated supervision and staff on-site for the duration of the programme.
Along with the clients’ independent Contract consultant, we held regular meetings to keep the client included and up to date throughout the programme. As a phased programme, we had a rigorous schedule to adhere to allow for staff occupation.
After completion, it was fantastic to see all the spaces been used and enjoyed as intended and that their new environment could help support Life beyond the Desk!