HOK London Office

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440 Confair folding table

HOK London Office

Firm

HOK London
HOK

Type

Commercial › Office

In 2009, HOK London moved into their world-class sustainably designed offices in the Qube (a BREEAM rated building), Fitzrovia. Its innovative design earned us gold in LEED accreditation (the first in the UK) through its specification within a set budget. When designing the new office, we had a clear vision of what we would like to retain and what we wanted to incorporate. It was imperative for the office space to provide an environment that would organically support, nurture and inspire staff creativity. The design for the interior needed to take into consideration mental and physical comfort and the wellbeing of staff. Sustainability played a large part in the design process providing economic and social initiatives and benefits. HOK is committed to reducing impact on the environment through the use of environmentally conscious approaches and the design team applied an integrated approach which embedded sustainable strategies into the design, which achieved results in energy reduction, efficient use of resources and affecting office social behaviour. The office incorporates an Advanced Collaboration Room; this teleconference technology encourages and facilitates collaboration between other HOK offices globally thereby reducing the need to travel. Natural light is also an important element in the design, reducing energy usage and providing a better working environment. To do this, we kept all windows clear from obstruction.We incorporated low formaldehyde and low Volatile Organic Compounds in finishes, furniture and carpet within the design to ensure a high level of internal air quality. Careful scrutiny of testing procedures and early engagement with material and finishes suppliers allowed the design team to minimise the exact concentration of target chemicals within particular products and thereby improve internal air quality. The open-plan layout of the interiors with the numerous breakout and conference areas allows staff to work flexibly, and encourages collaborative working; an important part of the company culture, and therefore improves efficiency. It has also been designed to host both private and public events which allow us to show case our work and talentThe overall sense of the space is one of vibrancy and energy. This is important for clients, visitors and staff so as to feel part of the mechanics of design while they are in the space. It was important to create an environment that was uplifting and exciting, but also one that functioned well. The application of colour throughout the office added a lightness to the space, while still creating a coherent environment.