Chetwoods were appointed alongside workplace consultants Veldhoen to appraise and analyse Sainsbury’s existing use of their head office building. The aims were to rationalise the overall floor space, releasing floors for a sub-tenancy, whilst designing an invigorating and exciting space in which to work, and which better serves the business, employees and evolving working practices.

Initial studies were undertaken to ascertain both current and envisaged working requirements together with desk occupancy rates. From this data different options could be tested to improve efficiency and use of the space, whilst creating a stimulating environment which reflected different working patterns based on task activities. Once the initial review and data collection had been analysed and developed into a brief, the development of on-floor organisation was rationalised around the concept of a High Street which translated the ideas behind ABW into a simple clear order. 4 activity zones were identified;

Town Square – Arrival – The landing point on the floor is a touch-down space where each cluster of the team organisation meets.

High Street – The primary routes from arrival to the homezone, still shared space, but are active and multi-functional

House – The homezone– a base which provides a variation in furniture and workplace styles, for the majority of team activities/tasks

Garden – A quieter location for more concentrated or solo work, and a change in feel to the main homezone or collaborative areas.

The template for a new way of working was applied from the ground floor through to the fourth floor of the existing building increasing efficiency and occupancy and adding value through the creation of additional floor space that was created without extension to the building.