The challenge was to reinvigorate this 1990`s commercial office building experience against shifting trends in the workplace. It is our firm belief that an organisation’s success will depend on face-to-face interaction and collaboration. When trying to attract, retain and nurture top talent, the workplace plays a hugely significant role in how people perceive a business. Chris Griffin, dn-a Associate, who delivered the project said: “we developed a new flexible office model that allows the third and fourth floors to be split into a highly adaptable combination, offering demise sizes from approximately 2,000 sq ft up to 24,000sq ft thus, providing a platform to attract progressive companies looking for uplifting and thought-provoking premises. Spaces designed not just to spark collaboration but that innovation you ignite in business environments when people collide.”
The introduction of a distinctive new reception re-identifies Hythe House as a contemporary, forward thinking space, creating a welcoming atmosphere that draw tenants and visitors to the relaxed meeting and co-working areas. New graphic signage has provided a consistent brand identity to the development. Hythe House now provides a highly specified, modern office standard arranged over ground and four upper floors, comprising 56,280 sq ft.
The new reception area, additional showers, bicycle storage and external terrace have ensured that the building enhances the wellbeing of its` occupiers and has received universal approval. Refurbishment to the reception uses, harmonious warm timber flooring and feature walls, `plug and play` workstations provides the space with a `ready to go` functionality. Soft lighting and warm colours create an inviting, welcoming atmosphere that draw tenants and visitors to the relaxed meeting and co-working areas.
Shared landlord areas and office floors have undergone an extensive CAT A refurbishment that is agile and flexible. The open plan space has been reinvigorated into an innovative and vibrant workplace. Office floors have been designed for maximum flexibility giving tenants a range of choices, be it exposed services, to occupation density and the design of the kitchens and communal areas. Achieving this was a technically challenging process which required adept integration of architecture and mechanical engineering design.
Workplaces are continually evolving. With Hythe House the clients’ aspirations were to create spaces that feature collaboration in a flexible and expressive environment. Here, successful place making and commercial viability are considered at every scale by dn-a. The latest phase focuses on the reimaging of the ground floor north wing. We aimed to invert this tired office cellular format by showcasing the front-of-house workplace activity and co-worker interaction. With attentive design connecting people in carefully curated environments.
Arranged over 4500sq ft the space is divided into CAT A and CAT B respectively. Stripped back to structure and upgraded to provide an engineered white box blank canvas ready for someone to put their own stamp on. The transformation of the space planning designed specifically to assist people in their jobs and give a positive boost to the way an organisation operates. Well-being and the environment are at the heart of this project. Eco-friendly office changes have become an important part of business responsibility and do have a positive effect on the employees and their mindset, their health, and their productiveness.
That said, without materials you don’t have a scheme. Materials have a greater purpose they can transform the experience of being in a building, the sight, sound the smell. We like to think of CAT B fit as the fun part. Timber, brick, stone, moss, clay, plants – use of natural materials instantly transporting you to natural world. Relationships with outdoor space, wellbeing. Vibrant green zones for touch down huddles, characterful wall art and soft furnishing`s blurring the lines between work, play and home comforts.
dn-a’s refresh has propelled Hythe House forward to become one of the most sought-after inspiring office environments in West London. A space where people can be content, productive and are equipped to perform at their best.
