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Introduction
AXIS House is a leading office design and fit-out company with a sister brand that manufacturers architectural flooring products for the specification market. To streamline and improve operations across both sides of the business, an office relocation and fit-out plan was agreed in 2022.

In line with the new strapline, ‘Shaping Futures’, our ambition was to create a Showcase office that’s proactively fit for the future in every sense of the word.

Aligning business and employee needs
Accelerating business growth and forecasts initiated the decision to move to new, larger premises. However strategic ambitions were just as important; to inspire and motivate staff and provide a showcase space to demonstrate our capabilities, quality of work, and working examples of different office products, design and technology options.

Sustainability and well-being were front and centre of the project, perfectly reflecting AXIS House’s brand position and values; part of the team’s imperative for long-term success. Achieving a SKA Gold rating on the project was top of the agenda.

Revitalising an unloved industrial unit
Built in the 1950s following the end of World War II, a run-down industrial unit on Cobham Road was in a poor state but showed hidden potential. The location is ideal for networking with clients and partners across the South Coast and the space met production and manufacturing needs well. The office space was dismal; a single-storey, utilitarian space with ugly, dated features and no quality or character. The property needed stripping right back.

A Transformative Solution
Converting an industrial warehouse unit into grade-A office space was a significant undertaking, made more challenging by the need to complete it within a tight timeframe and without impacting live operations for existing client sites.

First off, structural and safety surveys were undertaken to assess the condition of the building and determine the full extent of works needed. Extensive staff consultations followed before the concept and technical design teams set to work developing the master renovation plan.

This includes the following key elements:
– Considered separation of the warehouse and office areas
– Two-storey office layout to optimise floor space and enable a range of different working zones.
– A full height, central atrium to creating a striking focal point and multi-functional workspace.
– Glazed façade and skylights
– Feature staircase and lighting
– Multiple meeting rooms and flexible space configurations
– Large breakout and kitchen space
– Exposed utilities for a contemporary office aesthetic

Operational efficiency and wellbeing
Our designers planned the space and zoning to maximise team productivity and efficiency, whilst also incorporating as many variants for ‘showroom-type’ purposes as possible.

The whole facility has been designed to maximise the amount of available natural daylight into the warehouse, office and meeting room spaces. One of the roller shutter doors was replaced with a stunning, full-height glazed façade, additional windows were installed and the existing rooflights were kept and made weather tight to further flood the space with daylight.

We wanted to create an office where people feel enthused and energised. Our post-occupancy survey results say we’ve absolutely achieved that. A wide range of live plants throughout each zone help purify the air alongside an elegant, balanced palette of natural colours and textured accents have created a very natural, calm environment. Muted tones also work well to help visiting clients visualise the space as their own.

Technology
Supporting hybrid working models with agile and flexible remote working technology is imperative. Naturally, we have invested in a high-specification technology ecosystem across video conferencing, high-speed internet and cloud computing, building automation and controls.

All staff have designated lockers that feature integrated USB charging points and their own hot box storage. In combination with a slick booking system and ready access to portable power charging points, hot-desking and workspace demand is easy to manage throughout the week. Employees can switch up their work environment as needed throughout the day to maintain productivity and wellbeing.

Wherever you want to work, the technology is there to support you. No more being chained to the desk all day!

Furniture
Last, but by no means least, modern, functional workspaces now require a variety of furniture options. 6 Cobham Road has a full range of workstations on show, including height-adjustable desks, media benches and high tables with bar stools that offer a more relaxed collaboration solution. Soft, inviting seating in social breakout areas is also provided for staff to meet, collaborate and relax.

Formal meeting areas and hot desking, plug-and-play stations are carefully incorporated into the office design, along with collaborative work pods, phone booths, tea and coffee points, and interactive zones for interior design and sampling work.

The Result
The SKA Gold environment is a meticulously planned office space that prioritises employee productivity, engagement, and wellbeing. Its adaptable and dynamic design fosters collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal workspace.

Conclusion
The additional customer journey insight we gained from the whole process was really useful – actually proved to be a very positive and engaging experience for the whole team.

Design: AXIS House
Photography: Mikey Reed