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Oliver Heath Design’s human-centred and research-led approach incorporates Biophilic Design principles to deliver tangible and financial benefits to the triple bottom line of people, planet and performance...

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Rural Solutions

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

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.

Rural Solutions, a multi-disciplinary team of consultants, planners, architects and landscape Architects, 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 cognitive and sensory workplace considerations which promote the health and wellbeing of staff
Create a new, multi-functional, and flexible working space that:

Aligns with their new weekly patterns – such as practicing a hybrid working model
Supports collaboration and cross-service line interactions
Offers a diverse mix of spaces and furniture to facilitate a range of tasks 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 different floors. 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 outlines and detailed drawings of the 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.

The office refurb has been a huge success! Oliver and the team have created an inspiring and happy space that has encouraged the team back into the office. OHD were fantastic to work with, bringing amazing ideas - it’s been great to see these come alive.

Chloe Elliott - Internal Operations Manager

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Let’s discuss your next project

Call us on

+44 (0) 1273 326 031

Email us at

studio@oliverheathdesign.com

Stay up to date

Let’s discuss your next project