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Ingenuity House, owned by aberdeen Investments, is a striking architectural landmark near Birmingham Airport, originally designed for a large corporate tenant. When that tenant vacated abruptly, the building needed a new direction to adapt to evolving tenant needs. Orega saw an opportunity to transform it into a dynamic serviced office environment, bringing smaller businesses into a space previously built for a single occupier. With excellent transport links and a modern interior, the building was a prime candidate for reinvention. Working in partnership with aberdeen Investments and Orega, Oktra refurbished the space to create a flexible, inviting workspace that could cater to a variety of tenants.

Orega’s vision was to establish a serviced office model that maximised the potential of the existing space while maintaining an upscale, professional environment. Oktra’s design introduced multiple small office suites, meeting rooms, and breakout areas, fostering collaboration and productivity. On the ground floor, they refurbished eight meeting rooms and created 11 office suites, complemented by breakout spaces and focused work areas. The first floor now houses 26 suites, three teapoints, and a variety of meeting and focus areas.

To further optimise the building, Oktra carried out demise splits on the second and third floors, allowing for more manageable office spaces that better suit today’s demand for flexible leasing options.

A key part of the project was transforming the atrium and reception areas into a vibrant hub where tenants could work, meet, and socialise. The previous space had a cold, canteen-like atmosphere, which Oktra replaced with a warm and inviting design. Soft seating, booth areas, and a coffee-shop-inspired aesthetic encourage informal meetings and interaction, making the atrium a central gathering point.

“We wanted to create a space that people actively want to spend time in—somewhere that feels energising, comfortable, and adaptable to different needs,” explains lead designer Jemma Harrison.

Sustainability played a crucial role in the transformation of Ingenuity House. Oktra were tasked with reusing existing furniture in innovative ways, integrating pieces from across the building to create a cohesive and tasteful scheme. By repurposing furniture and materials, they not only reduced waste but also aligned with aberdeen Investments’ corporate sustainability practices. “It was about taking what we had and using it in the most complimentary way to the new design, making sustainability a seamless part of the project,” says Harrison.

Given its proximity to the airport, Oktra introduced a subtle travel theme near the meeting rooms, incorporating design elements that nod to movement and connectivity. Natural tones and timber were already present in the atrium, which they enhanced with additional greenery, creating an internal greenhouse effect. Biophilia was woven into the Orega space, reinforcing a connection to nature and making the workplace feel more dynamic and refreshing.

Ingenuity House is a highly technical building, designed with an advanced air circulation system that draws air through the centre of the structure. This presented unique challenges when integrating new elements into the space. Oktra worked closely with the existing infrastructure, ensuring that any modifications complemented the building’s systems rather than disrupting them.

Orega’s presence at Ingenuity House has been instrumental in attracting new tenants and reigniting activity in the building. By breaking down large, unmanageable spaces into smaller, functional office suites, Oktra helped create a dynamic business hub where companies of all sizes can thrive. This transformation marks a new chapter for Ingenuity House, turning it into a workspace that balances flexibility, sustainability, and modern workplace needs.

Design: Oktra
Photography: Adam Letch