Transforming a bronze standard building into a Gold standard workspace
Key Features:
High-Standard Transformation: Upgrading a low-grade, bronze-standard building to a sophisticated gold-standard environment.
Sustainable Design: Incorporation of sustainable practices and materials to align with the company's commitment to environmental responsibility.
Wellness Focus: Design elements that promote employee well-being, including ergonomic workstations, biophilic features, and restorative spaces.
Enhanced Productivity: Creating a workspace that fosters collaboration, concentration, and overall productivity.
Understanding the Vision
When this private investment company, a global leader in technology investments, sought to relocate their Guernsey office, it faced a significant challenge. The building they chose, Weighbridge House, was a low-grade, bronze-standard structure that didn't reflect the high standards the company is known for.
Their goal was ambitious: to transform this space into a gold-standard environment that would meet their current needs, support future growth, and align with their commitment to sustainability, wellness, and productivity.
The Challenge
The project presented unique challenges from the outset. Weighbridge House featured a bronze-standard Cat A interior with limitations such as no raised access floors, low and uneven ceilings, plastic perimeter trunking, and exposed fan coil units. These features were far from the gold standard the company envisioned, necessitating a complete overhaul of the space.
To achieve the desired outcome, POS needed to remove all the existing Cat A infrastructure and start from scratch. This included significant reworking of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) fittings and the introduction of bespoke joinery to conceal these elements. The need to upgrade the building's infrastructure to a gold standard while maintaining budgetary constraints added another layer of complexity to the project.
Design Development
The design focused on creating a workspace that exuded sophistication and provided a range of agile spaces tailored to the company's needs. The design included:
A welcoming café and lounge area to encourage informal interactions.
An open-plan work area equipped with ergonomic and acoustic furnishings to support both individual focus and teamwork.
Collaborative meeting spaces designed to inspire creativity and innovation.
Quiet work pods for focused, distraction-free tasks.
Restorative spaces featuring biophilic elements, ambient lighting, and enhanced acoustic comfort.
State-of-the-art meeting facilities with advanced AV systems ensure seamless communication.
Given the building's limitations, the design also required innovative solutions to address structural challenges. This included a new ceiling design to maximise height, MEP services routed around the perimeter to avoid overhead clutter, and secondary glazing to reduce external noise. These enhancements were crucial in achieving the desired gold-standard finish.
The Great Transformation
The final fit-out was carefully crafted to meet the client’s high standards while maximising the potential of the existing space. The new office now features:
Bespoke joinery to conceal mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, maintaining a clean, elegant aesthetic.
Custom-designed furniture and fittings that reflect the firm’s brand identity and support employee well-being.
Recycled and repurposed materials, emphasising the firm’s commitment to sustainability.
Thoughtful layout adjustments that enhance natural light, airflow, and overall comfort.
Despite the building's initial limitations, the project successfully transformed the space into a sophisticated, high-standard environment that supports both the company's current operations and future growth.
The Outcome
The newly transformed workspace is a testament to the company's commitment to excellence. The design reflects the company's brand values, enhancing employee well-being and productivity. POS delivered a gold-standard office that aligns with the company's high expectations by overcoming significant structural challenges and incorporating innovative design solutions.
This project is a prime example of how thoughtful, purpose-driven design can transform even the most challenging spaces into functional, inspiring environments that support business goals and employee satisfaction.
Pre-Construction
Post-Completion
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