The Brief

We were appointed following a competitive interior fit-out tender proposal and immediately picked up a comprehensive design brief in addition to Handelsbankens outlined specification

The bank were looking to create an uncluttered environment with no formal reception, they needed to introduce a new IT/ Telecoms system which would support the introduction of agile working and a paperless office, this meant reducing cellular offices and meeting rooms and increasing open plan meeting spaces.

It was also important that the space accommodated future expansion, meeting rooms were to be easily reconfigurable, breakout spaces incorporated for well being, along with a higher number of electric height adjustable desks. A new interview room needed to be built and it was paramount that good acoustic properties needed to be adopted for confidentiality. With all these changes we were to ensure we supported local manufacturers.

The Solution

With such a well defined brief we were able to really deliver on Handelsbanken’s requests, but also to push more creative solutions which were received well.
The reception made way for an informal waiting area with Handelsbanken graphics. The new interview Room with a ‘Your People’ image wall really helped to sell the company culture to potential new employees. Flexible meeting rooms supported training, boardroom, entertaining & theatre style layouts with easily reconfigurable furniture and moveable walls.

The Scandinavian tradition of “Fika” (Which means to take a break with coffee and cake to chat and socialise) was used to inspire the break out areas, supporting Handelsbanken’s philosophies: ‘We are different’ and ‘Our people are our most important asset’, this area with the Fika image wall is a real focal hub for staff and visitors.
The space was further improved with low level lighting and acoustic rafts and wall tiles and the kitchen featured zip taps, integrated pop up power, LED lit glass splashback and units incorporate recycling.