JRA worked with ADT Workplace, x+why and Salford City Council on x+why's new co-working office space at 100 Embankment as the final stage of Ask Real Estates' regeneration of a 22 acre site bordering Salford and Manchester. The co-working fit out is designed for B-Corps, reflecting the businesses shared values to provide not just an office, but a home for ‘Business as a Force for Good.’
The offices span three floors and are WiredScore Platinum. The reception features a full-length mural of Salford’s history by local artist Barney Ibbotson, alternative work and meeting spaces, and a coffee bar providing fair-trade produce. The space is dominated by earthy tones accentuated by iron elements, echoing the site’s Victorian heritage, and the dark metal framework of British rail infrastructure that previously occupied the site. The upper floors host varied workspaces, break out areas, meeting rooms, phone booths and a flexible assembly hall, all adorned with local artwork, biodiverse planting and offering panoramic views of Manchester Medieval Quarter. Their colour schemes pick up on 100 Embankment’s locale and designs are wellbeing centric. The development is completed by extensive cycle and end-of-trip facilities and a furnished roof terrace providing year-round work and social space with 4000 plant varieties.
100 Embankment achieved SKA Gold and BREEAM Excellent. Contributing factors include: minimising alterations to services, retaining lighting and partitions, using recycled and bio-based carpets, FSC and upcycled timber, and pre-loved furniture, including vintage credenzas and sideboards in meeting rooms, pre-owned lounge chairs, sofas, and coffee tables in breakout areas and refurbished task chairs across the offices. All waste produced from the site has been successfully recycled and the building has a zero waste to landfill culture in use.
The fit out was completed on a tight budget and timeframe, turned around in just 6 months, without forgoing design flair.
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