New office interiors for Axon Cable in Rosyth
Axon purpose built their office and production space in Rosyth 10 years ago but its amazing how technology has changed the office landscape so dramatically in just a few short years.
Roll forward to 2018 and a refresh was called for – whilst still smart, the offices were definitely dated and as the business has moved with the times, desk top tech has of course reduced in size and increased in power. Along with this, the need for more collaborative spaces was evident with the different disciplines within the business needing opportunities to work away from their desk in groups.
New office interiors for Axon Cable in Rosyth
In addition to this, Axon were keen to celebrate the work they do, so the interior design team were tasked with introducing some imagery on the large wall surfaces that would deliver this. Amos Beech achieved this as well as incorporating the images on to acoustic materials to improve the acoustic performance of the space.
Acoustic graphics and dividers
Using the Samuel Bruce TeamTable benching system we were able to deliver the workstation functionality without having to increase the number of floorboxes – which was a challenge given the ground floor is heated via an underfloor heating system and a ground source heat pump.
The result is a very tidy workstation installation where all the cables supplying power and data are contained within the integral cable management system and only appear at their exit points on each desk top.
The Space Planning allows for various types of collaboration and quiet work settings in addition to more formal enclosed meeting rooms and cellular offices which offers something for everyone depending on the type of work they are doing.
As part of the office refurbishment, all of the floorcoverings were replaced which included both carpet tiles and commercial grade luxury vinyl providing a subliminal division of space and work setting.
The entire building was also redecorated which was a challenge in itself, given the double height ceiling within the main office area – lot’s of working at height but all managed safely and efficiently by the Amos Beech Project Management Team working with our skilled tradesman.
The reception area was included in the program too and again given the changing nature of work, rather than create a reception area per se, this has become another collaboration area because of course, there are not visitors 100% of the time so why not make double use of the space.
Upstairs, the staff kitchen and break-out areas were given the Amos Beech treatment and this has been revitalised with new furniture and floorcoverings to make it a place to go and relax during lunchtimes and breaks as well as having the potential to grab a quiet coffee with a colleague during the working day.
Little details were not overlooked, the Amos Beech team were keen not to replace things for replacing’s sake. The meeting room table had a good quality table but the surface finish didn’t match the new décor so rather than throw the whole thing out the top only was replaced to match in with the new office furniture supplied.
A great showcase of what can be achieved whilst the staff didn’t have to move out with the work being carried out over weekends and evenings.
Office fit out and refurbishment Dundee
When Scotland's only tyre manufacturer asked us to draft a plan for their office refurbishment and fit out in Dundee, the team here at Amos Beech set out to transform the 40 year old building.
Office fit out and refurbishment for Michelin Dundee
The Dundee plant has been transformed into a “state-of-the-art factory under the five-year investment programme. The Dundee factory opened its doors 43 years ago it is now the city's biggest industrial employer, with just 1000 staff. It manufactures more than seven million car tyres every year. The 'Bâtiment 10' or 'Building 10' hosts 70 office staff and every factory around the world has a 'Building 10' with office accommodation for similar office tasks.
Office fit out Dundee
The brief for this Dundee office refurbishment project
The need for this office refurbishment and fit out project in Dundee was clear from the outset. The building was old, uninspiring and even a depressing place to work. For a company of this stature, refurbishment was long overdue.
Michelin Dundee is Michelin’s best-in-class and is now topping the tables in efficiency and quality. Dundee was the first first Michelin factory in the world to embrace wind energy with two wind turbine generators helping to reduce environmental impact and energy bills.
It's standing attracts high profile visitors from across the world and needs an interior that you expect from a company like Michelin.
Also graduates were keen to start their career at Michelin, but the company struggled to keep staff on board. Michelin offers excellent training programs and career perspectives, but many talent left after a short period of time and when asked they mentioned the working environment was less then inspiring to say the least. You don't want that as an innovative and global company. After all “A better way forward” is the Michelin way:
The interior design and Lay-Out
The long rectangular building with cellular offices along corridors was to be transformed into a more open plan space with organic shapes. The desks were positioned off set from the walls and in the final design the wave desks were shaped nicely around the circular meeting pods.
Furniture specification
At Michelin 20 million euros are invested each year to develop new solutions for workstation ergonomics. Amos Beech have always been at the forefront of innovative seating and desking solutions and for this project sit-stand desking from Samuel Bruce, originally from Dundee was specified.
The days that working days were an important source for people's exercise are long gone for most people, especially for those that work in offices. Sedentary working applies to in between 4 and 6 hours per day in an average office and in total you are talking about 9 and 11 hours a day! A sit stand desk will bring in more variety in working posture during the day and reduces health risks. It also gives the flexibility in adjustment an international workforce like Michelin needs.
Changing between sitting and standing increases concentration and output which is essential for a best-in-class tyre manufacturing plant.
Office fit out project management
The office refurbishment was completed over two phases. We started on the ground floor and the initial works included the removal of part of the 1st floor to open up a more impressive staircase entrance reception area. A new staircase was manufactured to the designers specifications and all internal doors were replaced.
As the project was underway it was decided to build an entrance vestibule in front of the reception and despite the already tight time frame, this had to be completed within the timescales allowed.
Walls were opened up and replaced with glazed partitions to allow light to flood through the interior. These new glass partitions have been subtly branded with the iconic Bibendum and other Michelin marketing images.
The overall interior design scheme takes full cognisance of the Michelin brand and uses the approved branding colour palette to establish the Michelin identity whilst retaining a sense of belonging for the individuals who work in the space.
When the second phase started, we had to remove from the building a large safe that had been built in originally. Heavy lifting equipment and careful health and safety planning allowed this to happen without delays or damage to property or person.
As part of the overall scheme, all external single glazed windows were replaced by new double glazed units to improve the thermal efficiencies of the building and the heating and ventilations system was similarly upgraded to meet with the current standards.
The end result is a refreshing and modern interior which is already making a huge difference to the first impressions given to visitors on arrival. Going forward the Michelin management team are confident that the investment will reap rewards in terms of productivity and staff satisfaction.
Publication date: April 11th, 2017
The office in the Blyth Building is currently in use as part of the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, after Michelin closed it’s operations in Dundee.
Text: Sam James
Photography: Architectural Photographer Edinburgh
Office fit-out, Lomond Plant Falkirk
When Ross dropped into our showroom he only had in mind to pick up some desks and chairs to give his office a bit of a face lift. What he got has completely transformed the space.
Lomonds purpose built facility was completed about 15 years ago and whilst neat at the time, the fit-out was not flamboyant, it was functional and lasted well. Time takes it toll though and when Ross and his joint MD Amanda started to see what the possibilities were, they quickly changed the brief.
Office fit-out Falkirk
Before
Working with our interior designers, a scheme was designed which made the office much more functional in terms of work flow whilst at the same time recognising that not everyone is always in the office.
After
By reducing circulation space and improving space efficiencies, we were able to provide a separate meeting room which means that visitors no longer need to be brought through the general office to a private space. This has reduced distractions and has improved the professional feel that Amanda and Ross were keen to enhance.
As part of the refurbishment, and given the fact that staff numbers had increased significantly over the past 15 years, a new toilet facility was designed and built as well as a complete refresh of the kitchen area with new units and breakfast bar.
All the circulation space was redecorated and because of the office & workshop nature of their work, a hard wearing vinyl wall covering was specified as being washable/wipeable and ideal to ensure that the smart appearance was maintained easily going forward.
The reception area was not exempt and the area has been given a lift with new lighting and floor coverings as well as repainting the staircase to bring it in line with the new colour scheme.
The overall result is a massive improvement for the Lomond team and there is a buzz to the office which reflects this. Amanda’s own words were that she has a real spring in her step when she arrives in the office each morning.
All of this was achieved in a 3 week period in the run up to Christmas 2017 and whilst it wasn’t without its challenges, the project was finished on time and within the original office refurbishment budget for the scope of works we set out to complete.
Publication date: January 5th, 2018
Text: Sam James
Interior Photography: Commercial Photographer Falkirk