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Rural Solutions

Re-imagining the office for the post-pandemic world of working.

office room with pitched ceiling with wooden beams in the left corner there is a timber clad meeting hut. Central to the room is a large leafy palm in a teal pot. To the left is a cabinet and bench top of the same colour.
Client
Rural Solutions

The covid pandemic changed the landscape of work for many businesses, with a significant shift towards hybrid-working and how the office workplace is used.  It also presented new challenges in terms of the mental and emotional needs of employees. 

Architectural company, Rural Solutions, approached Oliver Heath Design to analyse their existing office space and develop a design proposal which delivers on Rural Solutions diverse post-lockdown workplace needs.

 

Their main objectives were to: 

 

  • Welcome employees back to the office with a sense of excitement, and engagement, after a period of lockdown. 
  • Provide a cognitive and sensory workplace considerations which promote the health and wellbeing of staff
  • Create a new, multi-functional, and flexible working space which:
  1. Aligns with their new weekly patterns – such as practising a hybrid working model 
  2. Supports collaboration and cross-service line interactions
  3. Offers a diverse mix of spaces and furniture to facilitate a range of task and activities
  • Represents the ethos of Rural Solutions; acting as a showcase to visitors and one that the staff will be proud of.

 

 

Process & Deliverables

 

Rural Solutions office is set across two buildings on three different floors.  As such, the project was split into two distinct phases.

 

Stage 1 - Analysis:  

  • Investigate 2 options around the creation of a collaborative zone and focused workspace
  • For both options investigate quality of usable space via:
  • Spatial zoning with key functions highlighted
  • Outline design layout suggestions
  • Circulation space vs useable space for activity
  • Number of functions in each option, demonstrated in both spaces and furniture
  • Quantify the m2 space for particular functions
  • Highlight the quality of space – i.e., access to views, natural light, acoustic issues, density of occupation

 

Stage 2 – Design and Specification:

  • A set of outline and detailed drawings of proposed space layout 
  • Lighting, flooring, wall, and planting plans to share and develop with 3rd party consultants
  • Fit-out specification document to source products, materials, fixtures, and fittings.

 

 

Results

 

Following a detailed assessment and analysis of their office, a set of tailored options for an entire refit was created. By breaking down the zoning of the office and assessing the sensory thresholds of each space, we could maximise both areas for focused and collaborative work. 

 

Each of our bespoke options offered Rural Solutions a varied approach to redesigning their offices – from a 133% increase in collaborative tables to a 50% increase in informal meeting rooms, we ensured that our spatial analysis covered a range of options to support their workforce.

 

 

 

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Let’s discuss your next project
Call us on
+44 (0) 1273 326 031
Email us at
studio@oliverheathdesign.com
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