Cloud Computing Provider HQ - South-West London

Data Centre, ‘Hidden Hero’

This client is one of the world’s largest companies offering the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud service. Following on from a previous workplace design project, the client enlisted us to help realise their vision for a UK flagship HQ.

After committing to working within tight timeframes, we quickly undertook a building analysis to discover opportunities within the space, while in tandem profiling the users and the experiences we wanted them to have.

The client’s aims were to create a landing pad for new starters and a work experience that creates a sense of belonging with the company, helping to onboard and retain talent.

With a co-creative approach, the concept of “hidden heroes” was born. What appears at first to be a regular industrial estate now reveals a unique destination that celebrates each arrival. The space was designed to support a variety of different work modes as well as training, socialising and rejuvenation spaces.

We looked to maximise natural daylight within the floors, adding planting and introducing diverse ‘Hero’ visual graphics throughout the space, creating interest and supporting wellbeing.

The ‘Heroes’ journey is enhanced by the use of colour and material palettes ranging from stimulating and vibrant for energising, collaborative spaces to calmer, natural materials in focus and rejuvenation spaces. 

Feature lighting combining acoustic/sound reduction materials, along with height adjustable desking and quality ergonomic task chairs supported inclusivity and wellbeing giving greater control of comfort for users. 

The client’s procurement timeframes meant we had to run budget checks in close parallel with the design process. Having direct access to 250+ furniture suppliers meant we could value engineer budgets within the design specification without compromising on aesthetics and functionality.