We are immensely proud of our work on the U&I Headquarters and that the company came to us to regenerate the Victorian industrial space to create a piece of modern commercial architecture. Our team brought U&I’s ideas to life, ensuring the space suited their needs perfectly. The response to it has been incredible.
Recently the building was the focus of a BCO (British Council for Offices) tour as part of the BCO Conference 2017. We were pleased to be invited to lead it, showcasing the various aspects of the design and what they contribute to the performance and success of the property.
The BCO promotes best practice in all aspects of the office, encouraging research, development, and idea sharing. Their aim is to improve standards and offer a forum for discussion that can help to achieve that. They have been operating since 1990 and become a well-established, reputable organisation since then.
We believe the U&I Headquarters is a great example of an effective office space that caters for a wide array of different needs. The project was challenging because of the layout of the original Victorian warehouse and the strict timeframe. We came up with a unique design that tackled the acoustic, lighting, and building service issues. It promotes collaboration and makes inhabitants feel comfortable.
The lighting was a particular challenge. Overcoming it took a lot of effort and exploration of different materials. We settled on using reflective materials that allow natural light to be reflected deeper into the property. This is more sustainable than relying on artificial lights and also improves the quality of the lighting.
The work on the 2,785 metre square space was completed in just 18 weeks so that U&I could move in quickly. They wanted to minimise any disruptions to their business that arose from making the move. We helped them to achieve that with our scheduling.
This project is one our favourite pieces of commercial architecture we have been involved in. We are pleased that so many others share our belief in the design.