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Efficient delivery of statement Reading workplace that centres around people

Working to a tight schedule, Wood needed a partner they could trust to create and deliver their new open plan office in Reading. The design puts a focus on blending a variety of work settings and breakout spaces to bring to life their vision of a collaborative and future ready environment.

Project partners

  • Green Park Reading no.1
  • Cushman & Wakefield
"Everyone was incredibly helpful and gave me total confidence about delivering this project. It was a very well managed project from start to finish and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Morgan Lovell."

Martin Jay, Wood

Key features

  • Consistent design
  • Flexible partitioning
  • Central café with feature tree installation
  • Work setting variety
  • Design workshops

With an impending lease expiry, Wood decided to vacate their old space in favour of a new one at Reading's Green Park. They wanted to move in as soon as possible, so with the urgency of their timeline and having worked with Morgan Lovell before, Wood approached us in October 2023, requesting the new office design and costing be completed by Christmas with a view to deliver the project in the new year.

Wood wanted a collaborative space that would provide a modern, functional environment where they could host clients and other stakeholders. Their ambition was to create a workspace that promotes a strong internal culture and enables their teams to continue delivering exceptional work. Their brief specified open plan desk areas, meeting rooms, a commercial kitchen and a business lounge that could double as a client meeting suite.

Efficient design, efficient delivery

To meet Wood's brief, we fast tracked the design process, conducting 10 workshops over five weeks to ensure the design was approved on schedule. We found this to be the most efficient way of understanding exactly what Wood needed from the key areas of their new space such as reception, the café, open plan spaces and more. Our previous knowledge of the adjacent Three office also allowed us to resolve lighting and ceiling issues early, saving valuable time.

Adaptability behind the scenes

Flexibility for future use was key, so we incorporated additional air conditioning units and designed a bespoke demountable partition system with excellent acoustic performance. The office includes various work settings, with hot desks, touchdown spaces, phone pods and one to one rooms all being used to deliver an office that suits the diverse work styles of Wood's people. Each area can be reconfigured as needed, providing flexibility for the business to adapt in the future.

The cafe was designed with socialisation and connectivity in mind. We have included a commercial kitchen that is shared across all floors, bringing people together in one place. The café features soft furnishings, a neutral colour palette and an exposed ceiling, creating a less corporate, more relaxed atmosphere. A standout feature is the biophilic centrepiece, a tree in the middle of the café, underscoring Wood’s commitment to sustainability.

Design consistency

With a large floorplate, we knew the importance of having design cohesion, so our finishes, patterns and colour palette throughout are unified and leave no question as to who occupies the space. Each floor is equipped with four tea points, designed to allow each office wing to operate independently when needed. Additionally, the business lounge offers three flexible 20 person meeting rooms that can be combined to form a larger town hall space.

Delivering on time for a delighted client

Wood were delighted with the outcome of the fit out, particularly impressed by the quality of the finishes and how the design aligns with the rest of their portfolio while remaining unique.

The new office has not only created an inspiring environment for their people but has also provided an inviting space to host clients in a space that they are proud of.

  • Green Park, Reading
  • 120,000 sq ft
  • 24 weeks
  • Adaptable office design
  • Repeat client

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