A bright interior space with a timber‑clad stairwell leading down to an open area with light wood flooring. Sunlight creates strong patterns on the floor from a large window above. On the left, a green feature wall displays text beside a row of large indoor plants and a glass balustrade on the upper level. Ahead, the space opens into a reception area with a light wood desk, green wall accents and a view through to a seating and meeting area. A bright laboratory with white walls, ceiling panels and long central workbenches. Containers, instruments and mixing equipment are arranged across the surfaces. Two people in lab coats and gloves are working at separate stations, one using a bench mixer and the other preparing materials. Safety cabinets in bright yellow stand against the right wall, and various pieces of technical equipment and storage line the background. A contemporary office lounge area with two low armchairs, one in beige and one in green, arranged around a small circular coffee table on a grey patterned carpet. Behind them, a floor to ceiling shelving unit with black framing and wood panels displays assorted bottles and decorative items. Four timber doors line the surrounding white walls, and the ceiling features exposed ductwork, cable trays and linear LED lighting. A meeting room with a large light wood table surrounded by green chairs, with notebooks and documents placed on the surface. Behind the table, a floor to ceiling shelving unit with a black metal frame and wood panels displays assorted bottles, packaging and framed items. White storage cabinets line the walls on either side. The ceiling has exposed services and linear LED lighting, creating a bright and open workspace. A modern meeting room with a large rectangular light wood table surrounded by swivel chairs upholstered in dark brown fabric. A wall mounted screen and video conferencing unit sit at the far end of the room above a wood credenza. The space has a grey patterned carpet and a ceiling with exposed services and perforated acoustic panels. To the right, a glass partition with black framing and fluted panels separates the room from an adjacent workspace, with a timber door set into the partition.Provide your feedback on BizChat
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Home Projects Kao

A design that connects for Kao

We refurbished Kao’s operations centre in Hertfordshire, the global production site for their iconic English brand Molton Brown, aligning the space to modern working practices and creating a workplace that supports collaboration, wellbeing and productivity for a diverse mix of office, lab and factory staff.

Project partners

  • JLL
  • Unova

Key features

  • Refreshed lab facilities
  • Biophilic design
  • Gold SKA rating
  • Community contributions

Kao and Molton Brown wanted to update their Essex facility to better reflect current ways of working and improve the day to day experience of their teams. Having successfully delivered Kao’s award winning London office on Agar Street in 2022, we were well placed to bring the same design language and standards to its production site.

A key part of the brief was to create continuity with Kao’s London office, while also reinvigorating the Green Street space. Our design concept balanced functionality with biophilic elements and textural finishes, giving the offices and labs a fresh, natural feel that enhances wellbeing.

Thoughtful design from top to bottom

The ground floor now offers a more welcoming reception and tea point breakout area. The first floor features refreshed labs with lighting, ventilation and temperature control essential to performance. The second floor introduces collaboration areas, meeting rooms, pods and breakout spaces supported by new acoustic treatments to improve focus.

Visitors are now greeted by a more inviting reception area on the ground floor, complete with a refreshed tea point that encourages informal interaction. Upstairs, the first floor better supports high performance work, with upgraded labs featuring improved lighting, ventilation and temperature control. The second floor aids collaboration and focus, offering a mix of meeting rooms, pods and breakout spaces, all enhanced by new acoustic treatments.

Special attention was given to the multiple labs, which were modernised with wipeable ceiling tiles, improved airflow and carefully considered lighting, ensuring efficiency and comfort. To support the building’s infrastructure, a new mezzanine deck was installed, providing a plant and riser room with walkways, steps and handrails.

Smooth transitions for every team

Delivering a twelve month refurbishment while Molton House remained fully operational required a phased programme and close collaboration with the client team. Molton Brown's move champion group kept staff engaged and informed throughout, helping to minimise disruption. The factory team also benefited from newly designed breakout areas, encouraging social connection and supporting wellbeing.

A revitalised workplace

The completed refurbishment has given Molton Brown a workplace that is modern, efficient and aligned with Kao’s wider design standards. It provides a welcoming environment for staff and visitors alike, while ensuring that office, lab and factory teams can thrive together in one cohesive setting.

  • Essex
  • 6,000 sq ft
  • 52 weeks
  • Gold SKA rating
  • Refreshed lab space

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