Reception and office redesign for Parkhead Housing in Glasgow
Parkhead Housing Association was established in July 1977 based in Glasgow and was one of Scotland's first community-based Housing Associations.
‘Striving to develop and improve the Parkhead Community’
Reception and office redesign for Parkhead Housing in Glasgow
We were asked by Parkhead Housing Association to prepare design proposals for the Reception and associated Interview Rooms at Helenvale Street in Glasgow. We were also to include a light refresh to other areas.
The first exercise completed was the study of other housing associations in Glasgow to make comparisons. We gauged the aesthetic and quality of these then made special effort to match the interiors of Parkhead Housing Association with the core function of their business and not be ostentatious.
Simplicity and functionality were key to the successful design. Whilst the key part of the project was the redesign of the reception with support staff behind, and three interview rooms, other areas were also looked at. We created the ‘Snug’ for quiet work and smaller one to one internal meetings, and the ‘Bothy’ to support breakout and informal meetings. Main offices were refreshed with new carpet and decoration with existing furniture re-used. The Boardroom was also redesigned, and new furniture supplied. Lightweight flip top tables were used to create a variety of layouts to suit different meeting sizes and styles allowing more flexibility.
A soft palette of greys, pinks and blues were used to create a more relaxed homely environment. Warm tones of timber were introduced in the flooring and a feature timber screen between the desk and the office area behind allowing views through.
Published: 13 September 2022
Text: Design Team
Images: Interior Photography: Photographer Stirling
Office redesign for UK Steel Enterprise in Bellshill, Lanarkshire
UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) is helping the economic regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry. It is a private equity and venture capital firm specialising in investments in incubation, start up, early stage, expansion finance, growth capital, and management buyouts and buy-ins in small and medium enterprises.
The firm provides investment for working capital, equipment purchase, premises, and relocations. Additionally, it offers business loans to help companies grow their businesses. The firm typically seeks to invest in manufacturing, business to business services, technology based businesses, steel areas, and consumer durables and apparels.
Prior to the launch of their new branding in October this year, UK Steel Enterprise approached Amos Beech to give their Bellshill base at Strathclyde Business Park, Lanarkshire a design refresh. The priority being to create a ‘wow’ factor to the main atrium space and to introduce a social space for all tenants to share. The conference room and UKSE offices also received an interior upgrade.
Office Redesign Strathclyde Business Park, Bellshill Lanarkshire
Large suspended feature lights illuminate the new atrium and the introduction of ash timber wall cladding adds warmth and aids the acoustics to this double height space. A large picture window formed to create a visual connection between the social space and the atrium also doubles as a window seat and allows the atrium to become a more useable space - somewhere for people to perch whist waiting or on a call. A muted palette of contemporary colours and materials instantly makes the space more welcoming and appealing.
Artimide feature lighting
Window seat
The rear corridor has been transformed by new lighting, flooring, decoration and artwork. Corner wrapped way-finding signage now gives clear direction to each of the leased suites; a benefit to both tenants and visitors to the space. The clean, modern look is also mirrored in the first floor corridor.
Social space
The social space has been designed to have a completely different look and feel to the traditional office. Warm, deep tones complete the almost homely interior which is split into a meeting area, lounge and sit-up poseur bar. The range of office furniture complements the concept with timber finishes, comfortable seating and the introduction of biophilia.
“We, as humans have a deep rooted attraction towards nature. The presence of plants is also known to reduce stress, enrich physical health and improve comfort. Additionally the notion of comforts has many indirect experiences with nature to achieve biophilia, such as simulating natural light and air: they must be appropriate to each setting to help ensure functional well being at work.”
Acoustic ceiling tiles have been added above the meeting table to aid the absorption of sound and a visual barrier created with an ash timber screen which mimics the atrium cladding. Open storage with planting surrounds the space to keep it separate but still create an informal open ideal.
New office furniture, decoration and branding to UKSE’s office and reception brings the space up to date and in line with the atrium. The warm, muted palette continues into the shared conference room. The end result delivers the ‘wow’ factor the client was hoping for and makes the refreshed offices more appealing to potential tenants in the Glasgow area.
Text: Deborah McAulay
Photography: Vincent Hartman
Interior Design and Office fit out for Tours by Locals Glasgow
Tours by Locals are a global company headquartered in Vancouver, who provide guides covering 156 countries for travellers looking for a bespoke cultural experience. So not necessarily the most touristy sites but the the ones that really appeal to the more independent and adventurous style of traveler. The guides are all local people with extensive knowledge of their country and the most desired tourist destinations.
Their Glasgow office was based in a serviced office and due to the growth of the company, the desire was to relocate to a new office space to accommodate growing staff numbers as well as creating a fun environment which tells the story of the company.
Interior Design and Office fit out for Tours by Locals Glasgow
The design team at Amos Beech created a full interior design presentation including rendered visuals. The local representative from Tours by Locals was most impressed with the amount of work that the design team had put into the project at this early stage, and also the high standard of real-life visuals which enabled him to see quite clearly what the new office would be like.
Visualisation of their new office space in Glasgow
As the project moved on site, our team of office fit-out contractors got to work and within a matter of weeks the new office space was ready for the Tours by Locals Glasgow team to move in:
