CooperVision
First Floor Breakout Space
Details
Brief
Since establishment in 1980, CooperVision has become a leading manufacturer of soft contact lenses throughout the world. Today the business employs over 11,000 staff, while its products are available to consumers in over 100 countries.
With their Fareham office set to welcome 250 employees back after an extended period of home working, CooperVision engaged us to overhaul their first-floor kitchen and breakout area, which had been untouched for over fifteen years.
With a budget agreed upon and a hard deadline for the completion of works, we designed and remodelled the space, ready for the teams’ return to work.
Solution
The project was motivated by a desire to improve the user experience for staff at CooperVision’s Fareham office after an extended season of home-working.
With 250 employees heading back to the office, the business recognised a need to make its 1000 sq ft canteen more engaging, practical, and conducive to modern working. Having worked with Axis House previously and impressed by our quality of workmanship, the company wasted no time engaging our services once again.
With a hard deadline of just 6-weeks to complete the build and fit-out, we quickly got to work tackling the structural changes that formed the basis of our design.
A central aspect of the aesthetic design meant removing the existing suspended ceiling and replacing it with the new, raised feature ceiling, as well as re-routing sections of the air conditioning system. We also improved the HVAC system to stimulate better air quality.
To improve staff engagement and encourage greater use, we introduced three distinct types of seating: bar-style, dining, and soft. This facilitates more usage occasions, elevating it from its previous canteen status to a multipurpose space for breakouts and an informal meeting zone.
The space already benefitted from good quality natural light, so we enhanced this by introducing feature lighting and neon wall signage in key locations, helping to achieve the more contemporary feel CooperVision was seeking.
Natural wood panelling and faux plants were also used to this effect and give the space a distinct personality.
From a practical standpoint, we added in hot taps, microwaves, and an expanded tea and coffee-making station, helping to improve the flow of the kitchen area and increase capacity.
The overall result is a more workable and inspiring space where staff can engage with one another throughout the day, conduct informal meetings in a comfortable setting, prepare and enjoy meals, and experience quality downtime away from their desks.
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