One of the UK’s major insurance companies recently partnered with Boss Design to create an agile workspace for employees at their head office, based in the Midlands.
Part of a large refurbishment, the new ‘Hub’ area was required to deliver more usable space, incorporating various ways of working, from focus areas to collaborative environments and meeting rooms. To support this, the insurance company specified a diverse range of furniture from across the Boss Design portfolio.
The ‘Hub’ is flooded with natural light from the floor to ceiling glass atrium, looking out on to the outdoor seating area for employees. The intention of the project was to bring the “outside in”, using earth-toned upholstery complemented by natural timber finishes, alongside indoor plants and outdoor themed wall art. The ‘Hub’ provides a completely different ambiance to the main office area, supporting the company’s ongoing wellbeing provision for its staff.
In the cafeteria, various Raft+ configurations were chosen for their flexibility and comfort. Upholstered in wipe clean fabric, the modules were specified in a linear run to create a banquette, as well as double units to create a small booth. A large circular Raft+ unit, made up of six outward facing curved modules, surrounds a stunning LED light tree to create the centrepiece for the space. The Raft+ configurations are complemented by Agent bistro tables and dining chairs, as well as Keats chairs, all with an Oak finish.
Various Myriad modules were pieced together to create an impressive zone of five collaborative meeting spaces, each containing power and data arms, ideal for incorporating technology into informal chats or allowing for charging to take place during a break period. The Myriad configurations support the work anywhere philosophy and provide a space where people want to be.
Callisto sofas and coffee tables were specified alongside an Orten modular sofa and Metro coffee table to create a softer ‘lounge’ environment for one to one or team get togethers.
For individual focused work, Snug work booths were chosen. Providing a private self-contained workspace ideal for IT equipment, Snug has acoustic properties, helping to zone out surrounding noise. As the Snugs will be used by a variety of people, Trinetic task chairs were perfect choice to accompany them. Trinetic suits multiple users without the need for manual user adjustments each time.
In the light and airy Atrium space, Agent high tables and stools with an Oak finish sat next to a wall mounted TV screen, providing the perfect spot to go through work requiring AV support. As well as this, several Entente booths provide an ideal get away space for one to one or more focused meetings.
Several pieces of the Kruze and Agent collections grace the various private meeting rooms alongside the ‘Hub’. Each chair is upholstered in different shades of green, continuing the biophilic feel into the more intimate meeting spaces.
The company’s Property Support Manager, comments, “The ‘Hub’ was a totally new concept for us, and a key stage of the refurbishment programme, so it was important that it lived up to staff expectations. Having worked with Boss for a number of years, they were key to the design process offering advice and ideas on how we might use the space. The wide range of quality products, available in a variety of styles to suit any environment, all work together to provide a flexible range of personal and group spaces.”
“The installation has been a great success, with the all the different areas being well used throughout the day and some extremely positive feedback from staff.”
Julie Skipp, Head of European Sales at Boss Design comments, “We were really pleased to partner again with this insurance company, a client which we have worked with for over 15 years, on this next phase of their head office refurbishment.”
“The ‘Hub’ has a fantastic atmosphere and is successful in providing an agile space for employees to work and socialise. The biophilic design just adds to the space perfectly and it has truly become the coveted destination of the office.”
