However, that assumption doesn’t tell the full story.

This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise: few things make people reassess their priorities more promptly than the collective trauma of a deadly pandemic. That sharp focus on health has served to shift mindsets, with many of us now much more conscious of the need to make eco-friendly choices, and workers more likely than ever before to choose companies with robust environmental policies.

We also know that workers everywhere have gained a greater appreciation not only for flexibility and the option to work from home some of the time, but also for a better life/work balance and an improved quality of life.

These changes are here to stay. Yet coming out the other side of the pandemic, some businesses are still struggling to find their way. They may have previously downsized and now find their space isn’t fit for purpose. They’re demanding more flexibility from their HQs. They want spaces which are energy efficient, smart and agile. So, what does it all mean for commercial real estate, and for landlords?

By focusing on practical yet flexible design principles, greener material choices, and smarter technology, landlords can not only attract environmentally conscious occupants but also contribute to the collective shift towards more sustainable and productive workspaces in the UK.

Here, we delve into ten curated office design concepts for landlords, exploring how design and choice of materials play a part into the creation of highly rentable office spaces where organisations thrive.

Design Idea 1: Showcase Natural Lighting and Ventilation

How do you like to spend your day? Few, if any of us, are likely to reply that our ideal day is spent sitting at a desk under cold neon lights, staring at a screen, breathing in air perfumed with the smell of our co-workers’ lunches.

Designing office spaces that harness the power of natural light and ventilation can work wonders to improve working conditions and therefore, the attractiveness of the building to tenants.

• Consider installing energy-efficient windows with UV-coated glazing to ensure optimal sunlight penetration while minimising heat gain.
• Skylights strategically placed in common areas and workspaces further enhance the overall illumination, reducing reliance on artificial lighting, and can also help to improve air flow.
• Where there is an abundance of natural light, plants thrive. Living walls don’t just bring a splash of nature to the office, they can also absorb sound and purify the air.

Design Idea 2: Flexible Workspace Layouts

Modern work environments demand adaptability. Let’s face it, we all crave a change from time to time. Landlords can facilitate this by incorporating modular and sustainable furniture, such as movable partitions and adjustable desks.

• Providing tenants with modular workstations that can be easily reconfigured supports dynamic work arrangements, from collaborative meetings to focused individual tasks.
• Modular room design allows building users to reconfigure their space to meet their needs at any given time. This can greatly improve productivity and ensures the office itself continues to fulfil its purpose, no matter how many times that purpose changes.

Design Idea 3: Green Walls and Indoor Plants

The mood-boosting effects of indoor plants are well known, so why not incorporate them into the office space? Living walls or strategically placing indoor plants enhances both air quality and aesthetics.

• Consider installing a vertical garden system with low-maintenance plant varieties in communal areas. This not only contributes to a healthier workspace but also serves as a visually striking focal point, promoting a connection to nature within the office.

Design Idea 4: Facilitate Wellbeing Spaces

Modern offices absolutely need communal spaces: nobody likes feeling like a cog in a machine. The sense of isolation that comes from working alone in a cubicle all day isn’t something many of us wish to relive. Dedicated areas for employee well-being are pivotal in fostering a positive work environment.

• Consider creating a relaxation zone, incorporating biophilic elements like potted plants and nature-inspired artwork, providing a serene eJENNERAL within the office that promotes mental well-being.
• Transform wasted or unused space into hubs for wellness, with yoga mats, foam rollers or even gym equipment such as weights. Workouts are known mood boosters making them the perfect addition to any office.

Design Idea 5: Feature Eco-Friendly Flooring

Making deliberate choices in flooring materials showcases a commitment to sustainability, which an increasing number of employees greatly appreciates.

• Bamboo flooring, known for its renewability and durability, is an excellent choice.
• Alternatively, reclaimed wood sourced from local suppliers not only adds character but also reduces the demand for new resources.
• Opt for carpet tiles made from recycled materials, offering flexibility and ease of maintenance.

Design Idea 6: Make Space for Recycled and Upcycled Furniture

Furnishing office spaces with recycled or upcycled furniture introduces an element of uniqueness while contributing to waste reduction. For instance, outfitting common areas with sofas and chairs upholstered in recycled fabrics not only reduces landfill waste, but also adds a touch of sustainability to communal spaces.

• Source furniture that boasts strong sustainability principles, such as unusual materials made from surplus or unwanted waste products.
• Upcycle unwanted furniture and building components to create useful and functional new pieces. Pallets can be used to create exterior tables and seating areas, for example.

Design Idea 7: Make Way for Waste Reduction Strategies

The 3 ‘R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) are a good starting point for any waste reduction strategy and can be easily incorporated into your office design project. Reducing waste in the first place should be the main objective, with reusing and recycling coming into play when the former is not an option.

Implementing a holistic waste management system goes beyond recycling bins.

• Encourage tenants to adopt a paperless approach by providing shared digital resources and reusable office supplies.
• Additionally, you can collaborate with waste management companies that specialise in electronic waste disposal to responsibly manage and recycle outdated office electronics.

Design Idea 8: Energy-Efficient Heating, Appliances and Lighting

Energy costs are a significant expense in any office building, so integrating energy saving and efficiency measures into your office design simply makes good business sense.

• Integrating energy-efficient appliances, such as ENERGY STAR-rated office equipment, significantly reduces energy consumption to keep building running costs lower.
• For lighting, consider installing LED fixtures with motion sensors in common areas and workspaces. This not only provides ample illumination but also ensures lights are only active when needed, promoting energy conservation.
• Consider the use of energy recovery technology to supplement heating and hot water.

Design Idea 9: Don’t Skimp on Smart Building Technologies

The integration of smart building technologies represents a forward-thinking approach to office design. Smart technology is not only future facing, it’s also more convenient and can provide tenants with considerable savings.

• For example, deploying a Building Management System (BMS) with occupancy sensors for lighting and HVAC systems optimises energy usage based on real-time needs. This technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces overall energy consumption.

Design Idea 10: Explore Water-Efficient Design

Strategic water management is a cornerstone of sustainable office design. And the good news is there are plenty of ways to save water within your design, no matter the size or type of tenant you’re looking to attract.

• Install water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets in restrooms.
• Consider xeriscaping – an environmentally conscious landscaping approach that minimises water usage – for outdoor spaces, reducing the need for irrigation and promoting responsible water resource management.

If you’re ready to embark on your next design project, speak to our friendly team to learn more about how we can help.

1.    Hempcrete

Hempcrete is growing in popularity as an alternative to concrete. Bio-based, it is made from hemp, lime and water and is supremely sustainable. In fact, it’s a better-than-zero carbon product because hemp absorbs such large volumes of CO2 as it grows. Even factoring in the emissions resulting from production, transportation, and the construction process, it remains a highly desirable low carbon product.

Another big plus for hempcrete is its incredible thermal and insulating properties, meaning overall energy use is reduced during the building’s lifespan.

2.    Bamboo

Bamboo is another incredibly sustainable, natural material. It has tensile and compressive strength comparable with steel and concrete respectively, making it suitable for a range of applications. It’s also incredibly fast to grow, requires little energy to do so and traps a good amount of CO2. Lightweight, bamboo is additionally naturally resistant to many pests and diseases, making it long lasting and durable.

3.    Cork

Much like bamboo, cork is a natural material that grows incredibly quickly. It’s durable and flexible, making it a versatile addition to many construction projects.

Once harvested, cork can be used in several ways. It’s common to see cork used in tiles (both wall and floor) for example, but it’s also a great natural insulator, highly resistant to fire and doesn’t rot. It can additionally be used to absorb sound, so is useful in buildings where soundproofing is required, for example in multi-tenant housing or commercial office spaces.

 4.    Green Leaf Brick

Green Leaf Bricks are made entirely from waste materials which would otherwise end up in landfill. There are several companies and organisations experimenting with this type of 100% recycled brick, including one initiative in the Netherlands which has created a load bearing brick made entirely of plastic waste. Other Green Leaf bricks use a range of waste materials, including recycled glass, ceramic scraps and even sewage waste, often rescued from landfill, to create new fired masonry bricks. These types of bricks are robust and long lasting, non-flammable and have a high level of compressive strength.

5.    Mycelium

Mushrooms are an unlikely choice for a construction material but Mycelium, formed from the root structure of fungi, can be made into bricks when mixed with sawdust. These bricks are strong, sturdy, and lightweight and can be formed into unique shapes for unusual building designs. Organic and compostable, Mycelium can also replace traditional insultation materials as it stands up well to high temperatures.

CAT-A and CAT-B are two terms that are thrown around a lot in the fit-out sector:

• CAT-A refers to landlord fit-outs that create a blank canvas to rent out to tenants.
• CAT-B is normally a ‘client fit-out’ where the space is personalised to meet the tenant’s requirements.

So, what is it about CAT-A fit-outs that has led to calls for them to be phased out, and how we can instead adapt our approach to ensure we retain the best of both worlds?

What’s the issue with CAT-A fit-outs?

The main argument against requiring CAT-A fit-outs is the changing views towards sustainable development practices. CAT-A fit-outs are designed with marketability in mind; reverting a space back to a blank canvas to attract potential clients once the incumbent tenant has departed.

Those against this approach argue that it is wasteful and unsustainable, using unnecessary resources just with the hopes of selling or renting out a property. Instead, those pushing for an end to CAT-A say that landlords should market properties as they are and fund fit-out projects only after a client has requested them to avoid additional waste and the need for more materials.

What is the future looking like for CAT-A?

As is the case with many standard practises, CAT-A can evolve and adapt as the building and construction industry strives to be more sustainable, waste less and re-use more.

As the industry moves forward, here are some of the key considerations that must be taken around CAT-A fit-outs to ensure they’re considerate of the environment and make optimal use of resources:

1. Use technology during design stages: Virtual reality (VR) is becoming an important tool in the fit-out industry to visualise designs and spaces without the need to do any physical work. These tools can help developers identify inefficiencies and make corrections to enhance sustainability.
2. Embrace collaboration between development partners: For a CAT-A fit-out to be sustainable, all partners must work together to prioritise it. Each partner should communicate with others to ensure their work is beneficial across all stages of construction and reduce waste throughout the process.
3. Take a holistic approach to fit-out projects: Before starting a project, fit-out teams should go in with the knowledge of wanting to design with reusability and sustainability in mind. Rather than looking at each task that needs to be completed during the CAT-A fit-out, the approach should be to prioritise sustainability wherever possible.
4. Consider how materials can be stored and reused throughout the tenancy: If developers are able to store materials that can be used later on to repair issues in the property, this will reduce any potential waste and damage further down the line. This means that the impact of modifying systems further down the line in a CAT-B fit-out is minimised.

Developing for tomorrow’s world

The construction industry is starting to move towards a more sustainable future, which is better for tenants and the wider community. However, it is still a long journey that requires all parties to collaborate and get creative.

At SCAPE, we’re increasingly transitioning to a new era of CAT-A, known as CAT-A+. While encompassing many of the same considerations as CAT-A, CAT-A+ goes a stage further to also consider elements such as furniture, amenities such as communal kitchens and bathrooms and practical additions such as power points and communications needs.

This type of fit out bridges the gap between the traditional CAT-A and CAT-B approaches, while benefitting both tenant and landlord by creating a marketable, ready-to-move-in-to space that the new occupants can still stamp their brand on.

If you’d like to talk more about how to achieve a sustainable CAT-A fit-out, we’d love to talk. Get in touch with JENNERAL today.

To achieve Net Zero by 2050, it is crucial that all sectors, including the construction and property sectors, adjust their practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Since 1 April 2023, all privately rented properties will need to have an EPC E or higher, regardless of whether or not there has been any change in tenancy. This change occurred to support the UK government’s plans to require all rented commercial and domestic buildings to have an EPC rating of at least B by 2030.

Here are some steps commercial landlords can take to improve their EPC and get ready for Net Zero:

1. Assess your current carbon footprint: To reduce your carbon footprint, it is important to first understand your current position. For this, landlords need to calculate the carbon footprint of their properties and assess their energy efficiency, which can be achieved by getting an EPC for each property. From this, landlords can identify areas where they can reduce energy consumption.
2. Develop a strategy for reducing carbon emissions: Once you have assessed your carbon footprint, the next step is to develop a strategy for reducing your emissions. This strategy should include a plan to reduce energy consumption, which could consist of switching to renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency.
3. Encourage tenants to reduce their carbon footprint: Tenants can also contribute to cutting carbon emissions by reducing their energy consumption. Commercial landlords should encourage their tenants to adopt sustainable practices such as switching off lights appliances when not in use. To encourage such sustainable practices, landlords could provide incentives to tenants. For instance, a financial reward could be provided, such as discounts on bills if the tenant reduces their energy consumption.
4. Consider retrofitting your properties: Retrofitting a property means making improvements to an existing building to improve its energy efficiency and make it more sustainable. This can involve a range of measures such as upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient heating, replacing windows and doors, and installing renewable energy technologies like solar panels. Ofgem offers small businesses advice and helps them to find energy grants and schemes to help companies become more environmentally friendly.
5. Monitor and report your progress: It is essential to monitor and report progress towards Net Zero to ensure that targets are met. Commercial landlords should regularly monitor energy consumption and carbon emissions and report progress to the relevant interested parties, as it will help to identify areas where improvements can be made.
6. Stay up to date with regulations: With the regulations surrounding Net Zero likely to evolve as the UK moves towards its 2050 target, landlords need to stay up to date with any changes and adapt their strategies accordingly. Landlords must keep an eye on government announcements and seek professional advice if necessary.
7. Collaborate with other stakeholders: Cooperation with other stakeholders, such as tenants, suppliers, and contractors, can be an effective way to lower carbon emissions. By working together, landlords and stakeholders can identify areas where energy consumption could be reduced and encourage suppliers and contractors to adopt sustainable practices.

 Retrofitting properties can be a complex process, but with the right support, it can be done effectively and efficiently. Here at SCAPE, we are highly experienced in helping commercial landlords refurbish their properties in line with government guidelines. We have a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects across a range of sectors, including commercial developments. Don’t wait until it’s too late, get in touch with us today to start your journey towards a Net Zero future.

Even as more people return to their usual place of work, hybrid ways of working will continue to be common – which makes designing offices extremely challenging for employers.

Creating an office that has the space for all workers but is flexible enough to deal with changing schedules and needs is a big ask. Luckily, there’s a method of office design that’s up to the challenge; effective, modular office construction.

What is modular office construction?

Modular office construction is a type of office design that aims to provide increased flexibility to employers looking to redesign their offices post-pandemic.

Unlike typical office construction that happens on-site, with modular office construction, most of the structure is built elsewhere and transported to the building site for final assembly.

The Three Benefits of Modular Office Construction

Many companies are now turning to modular office construction techniques, here’s why they are becoming so popular:

1. Efficiency

In business, time really is money so, any time that you can save during the manufacturing process is very welcome.

With modular office design, construction can be up to 50% faster than traditional construction approaches. This means that companies can quickly set up their offices and get their workers moved in and operational, resulting in very minimal downtime.

Just because they are produced in a different way, doesn’t mean that they are lacking any of the typical elements that an office needs to be productive. Things like kitchens, meeting rooms, and bathrooms can all be added as per the company’s plans.

2. Flexibility

With the changing ways of working that we have seen emerge in the post pandemic landscape, achieving a permanent design that works for everyone can feel impossible.

With modular designs, it’s possible for companies to modify the internal layout of their office to suit the needs of their employees, as and when those needs arise. Rather than being set in stone, the office is flexible and agile, and can be reconfigured on demand.

In practice, this could mean having the option to move internal walls and reconfigure spaces as team sizes and space requirements change. Perhaps more people are coming back to the office and more space needs to be created, or a more open-plan workspace is necessary to create an environment more conducive to productivity. Modular design means that’s entirely possible.

3. Cost-effectiveness

It’s much more cost-effective to create a modular office than it is a traditional design. This is mainly because the labour costs of building this type of office are around 60-70% less.

Because most of the office structure has been made in advance, most of the important components are already in place, making assembly and installation much easier and faster.

Create your modular office with SCAPE

At SCAPE, we know what it takes to create an office environment that motivates your employees and is flexible enough to deal with the demands of hybrid working.

If you want to find out how you can update your office using modular construction, get in touch with us today.

3D Printing

One of the most significant developments in construction technology is the introduction of 3D printing. Otherwise known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing allows architects and engineers to create highly detailed models and prototypes of office buildings with incredible accuracy. This technology has made it possible to create complex and intricate designs that were previously impossible to construct with traditional building methods. Moreover, 3D printing has also reduced the construction timeline and costs significantly.

Sustainable materials

Innovative, sustainable materials have also changed the construction process for office builds. The use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials has become increasingly popular as more companies are striving to reduce their carbon footprint. These materials not only reduce the environmental impact of construction but also offer a range of benefits such as enhanced durability and reduced maintenance costs. Materials such as bamboo and recycled steel are becoming popular choices in the industry and are being used in various forms from structural elements and insulation to finishes.

Virtual reality

Before the advent of virtual reality (VR), architects and engineers relied on 2D drawings and blueprints to visualise the final product. However, with the use of virtual reality, they can now create immersive and interactive experiences that enable them to see and experience the building before it is constructed. Virtual reality technology allows architects and engineers to identify potential design flaws, make necessary changes, and save time and money on rework during the construction process. Furthermore, VR technology allows clients to have a better understanding of the project, making it easier for them to communicate their vision and make informed decisions.

Cloud-based tools

Cloud-based tools allow architects and engineers to store and access project data from anywhere, collaborate with team members in real-time, and streamline project management. These tools also enable the sharing of files and information between different parties involved in the construction process, such as contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. This not only improves communication but also reduces the risk of errors and miscommunication.

The combination of these technological advancements has also resulted in a shift towards more energy-efficient buildings. The use of 3D printing and green materials has enabled architects and engineers to design and construct buildings that have a lower environmental impact. Furthermore, VR has made it easier to identify energy-efficient solutions such as the optimal placement of windows and insulation. Cloud-based tools also enable better monitoring and management of energy usage, making it easier to optimise the building’s performance.

As technology continues to evolve, the construction industry will undoubtedly see even more innovative solutions that will transform the way buildings are designed and constructed. Here at SCAPE, we ensure seamless delivery for every project, with an ongoing dedication to providing consistent quality, value, and innovative bespoke solutions, that make use of technological advancements where appropriate.

Data from the Energy Saving Trust suggests that heating is the most significant cost in many workplaces, accounting for 40% of overall energy use. This statistic alone shows the importance of maximising energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

Smart construction and smart technology can play a significant role in achieving energy efficiency targets. The use of smart materials and designs in the construction process can greatly reduce the energy required to heat and cool a building. Smart technology, such as building automation systems and smart meters, can monitor energy consumption and identify inefficiencies in real-time, allowing for quick and effective solutions.

Innovative insulation materials

Traditional insulation materials, such as fibreglass and foam, have been the go-to for many years. However, newer materials, such as aerogel, can provide much better insulation with much less material. As a result, this not only reduces the amount of waste produced during the construction process but also reduces the energy needed to heat and cool the building.

Forward-thinking design

Clever design can also contribute to improved energy efficiency. The orientation of a building can play a significant role in its energy consumption. For instance, buildings that face south or southeast can take advantage of natural sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. Building orientation can also affect the amount of shade a building receives, which will reduce the amount of energy needed for cooling during periods of warmer weather.

Embracing smart technology

 Another way to maximise energy efficiency is with the use of smart technology. Building automation systems can monitor and control a building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible. For example, sensors can detect when a room is unoccupied and adjust the temperature accordingly, reducing energy waste. Building automation systems can also provide real-time data on energy consumption, allowing building managers to identify inefficiencies and make necessary changes quickly.

Smart meters are another piece of technology that can contribute to energy efficiency, as they provide real-time data on energy consumption and can be used to identify areas of the building that are using more energy than necessary. This information can then be used to make adjustments, such as replacing inefficient appliances or adjusting lighting levels.

Along with reducing energy costs, maximising energy efficiency can also contribute to a business’s sustainability goals. The 2050 Net Zero target means that businesses must take action to reduce their carbon footprint. Energy-efficient buildings not only reduce a business’s carbon emissions but also contribute to a positive corporate image.

Source: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/a-guide-energy-efficiency-in-the-workplace/

What is ‘Quality Control’ & ‘Quality Assurance’?

 The two terms are often used interchangeably, but the truth is that they’re very different. Ultimately, both help to ensure that a finished building meets – and often exceeds – the client’s needs and expectations. However, they achieve this goal in two different ways. Here’s a quick overview of quality control and quality assurance:

Quality control, or QA, is a proactive management tool. It refers to the development and implementation of a set of standardised processes that reduce risk across the lifetime of a project. The idea is that, if QA processes are closely followed across every stage of construction, there should be few issues with the finished structure.

Quality assurance, or QC, is a reactive corrective tool. It refers to the act of resolving quality-related issues or problems with a building prior to project completion and customer handoff. It generally involves an inspection by project engineers who identify any flaws in the work and arrange for these issues to be corrected.

Why Are Both QA And QC Important?

It’s easy to see the importance of QA, isn’t it?  Standardising processes is a highly effective and efficient way to reduce risk. But a question that many clients ask is why QC is so important, too. After all, if QA is doing what it’s intended to – ensuring the project runs smoothly – surely there shouldn’t be any issues that need correcting.

But the truth is that, in construction, you really can’t have one without the other.

In construction, every project is different. Every project is unique. Every project is part of the ongoing evolution of construction. Which means that the processes and best practices that are followed as part of QA today may not be the same processes and best practices that need to be followed tomorrow. That’s where QC comes in.

QC influences and shapes QA. While QC is certainly important in terms of ensuring that the finished build is client-ready, it’s also critical for ensuring that QA is continuing to achieve what it’s supposed to: minimising risk in construction. QC enables teams to review and assess how issues are arising – to identify where they’re coming from and how they’re emerging – and continually adapt the QA strategy to reduce the risk of these issues on future projects. Quality must be a continuous loop.

Together, both quality control and quality assurance work to ensure that construction teams are building high quality environments that really work. And at SCAPE, we’re proud to operate with QA and QC at the very heart of our business.

The market for commercial property today is clearly there. But unfortunately, market isn’t everything. Reports suggest that 62% of commercial landlords are struggling to rent office space due to a ‘notable shift in tenants’ demands during the pandemic’.

What’s the solution? Really, all it comes down to is providing spaces that businesses want. That part is simple. What isn’t quite so simple is figuring out what tenants are looking for, especially as business needs are continuing to evolve.

What do Business Tenants Want?

Of course, every organisation is different. However, there are three commonly shared elements that businesses are often looking for in today’s landscape:

1. A ready-made environment

During this period of recovery, businesses want to be able to move into a new space quickly and affordably. This means that investing in a CAT-A fit out can help to make a space much more rentable. This sort of fit out ensures that the foundations of a high quality work environment are already in place. So, while a tenant may choose to make optimisations and customisations, they have access to a space that balances productivity, comfort, collaboration, and functionality from the very start.

2. A blank canvas

When viewing a space, businesses must be able to imagine themselves in it. While it’s important for all the underlying characteristics of the environment to already be present, it’s also important for the space to essentially be a ‘blank canvas’ that enables prospective tenants to envision ways to make it their own. Businesses want to see adaptable spaces that they can tailor to support a neurodiverse workforce and facilitate a variety of ways of working productively.

3. A way to maximise employee experience

Today’s businesses understand the challenges they face in bringing employees back to the office. As a result, they’re actively seeking ways to make the on-site experience more attractive, both to existing employees and to prospective new hires. One way that commercial landlords can use this to their advantage is by ensuring that their spaces are designed to support employee wellbeing and boost satisfaction. An example may be the inclusion of shared facilities, such as cycle racks and showers.

If in Doubt… Ask!

For commercial landlords with existing tenants, one of the best ways to figure out what today’s businesses are looking for in property is to ask them how their needs are being met, and what changes or improvements could be made to ensure the space continues to work for them. This sort of insight can help landlords make the best possible decisions for the future of their properties and can go a long way towards developing spaces that attract organisations returning to the office.

At SCAPE, we’re proud to be working with commercial landlords to help them optimise their interiors and ensure spaces align with the needs of today’s tenants.

The answer is simple.

We believe that the role of construction firms and designers isn’t to build structures, but to create environments that work. And environments that work are those that ensure the people in these environments can achieve what they need to, whether they’re there to live, work, learn, or play. That not only means constructing with precision, but creating a powerful interior setting, too.

And so, when we’re tasked with designing and building a new office block – or refurbishing an existing office building – every decision we make is shaped by the need to develop and fit out an environment that works.

And that’s what today’s businesses are looking for. Take Kinto, for example. Kinto wanted to create a more social and connected space, which shaped our construction decisions from the very start and empowered us to create a modern work environment with distinct ‘zones’ to generate a healthy balance between productivity and comfort.

But here are the big questions: Why do we do this? Why do we choose to work in such a way? Ultimately, why is a good office environment so vitally important for employees?

There has actually been quite a lot of research done into the impact of an office environment on employee productivity, satisfaction, and wellbeing, and it’s generally agreed that the working environment can have much more influence than we think.

Environmental aspects that can impact employees include:

Environmental aspects that can impact employees include:

● Temperature

Studies have found that the ability to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout an office space can boost employee productivity by 5 to 15% because workers feel better able to concentrate on their tasks. Where possible, we try to ensure that offices are equipped with suitable fresh air and air conditioning systems, like the innovative mechanical ventilation systems we installed at Fleetsbridge House.

● Lighting

Good lighting in an office environment can make or break productivity. In a study of British employees, three quarters said that the lighting level at work can have a big impact on their ability to do their job. Our design and construction planning activities are always built around a desire to maximise the flow of natural daylight into interior spaces, and ensure that all work zones and meeting rooms have adequate lighting.

● Noise

We all know that noise can be distracting, but it can also make it difficult for employees to retain information, concentrate, and complete their tasks to the best of their ability. When we’re tasked with creating open plan office environments – like the offices at Tagus House in Southampton – we ensure that our clients understand the importance of incorporation sectioned meeting spaces to create quiet zones for ‘heads down’ work.

● Interior Design

This is the cherry on top. By that, we mean that good interior design isn’t essential to building a good environment, but it can massively enhance the employee experience. While this side of things is often left to our friends at interior fit out companies, we regularly work to incorporate attractive elements into the heart of construction and refurbishments, such as new feature joinery, eye-catching partitions, and landscaping.

A Good Office Environment is More Important Than Ever

The pandemic has had a massive effect on employees, including changing their feelings about their jobs, where they work, their employer and their experience.

As uncertainty surrounding the future of the economy starts to level off, experts are predicting never before seen rates of staff turnover as employees search for new opportunities. And so, now, more than ever, ensuring you’re giving your workers the best possible experience is essential. A refurbishment to make the employee experience a central part of office design can play a key role in caring for your team.