A future-proofed workplace with an industrial aesthetic
Hillcroft Surgery Supplies provides a next-day-delivery service for GP practices across the UK. This thriving family business – known for their efficiency and excellent customer service – were looking for a design and fit-out partner to help them make the transition to larger premises. The brief called for a functional, but inviting, office space that would encourage productivity and collaboration while addressing the wellbeing requirements of staff. The design needed to ‘future proof’ the new workspace to allow for likely expansion of this growing company. And all this needed to be completed within a very restricted timescale to allow for pre-Christmas handover. With the help of our experienced designers, the team at Hillcroft opted for an industrial office design to complement their warehouse setting while creating an attractive, contemporary place to work.
The challenge: optimising wellbeing and collaboration
Having outgrown their previous offices, Hillcroft was looking for a fresh new industrial office design with real wow factor that would inspire and motivate the 45-strong team while allowing scope for future expansion. The primary objectives for this fit-out project were improved staff collaboration, productivity and wellbeing. Known for their efficiency in delivering medical supplies to their GP surgery clients, the Hillcroft team needed a combination of open-plan, collaborative spaces along with smaller meeting rooms and privacy pods.
“We wanted to give staff somewhere really nice to work, somewhere they’d feel proud to work and come to every day. Our previous office was starting to look dated, like any other generic office. We wanted this to stand out.”
The scope of works required meant Hilcroft’s three-month project timeline was a challenge and Managing Director, Guy Howden, wanted a fit-out partner he could trust to deliver the project on time and on budget, with minimal intervention. The AXIS House team took this in their stride.
The solution: open-plan spaces with industrial office design
The new layout we designed for Hillcroft’s workplace comprises a welcoming reception area, open-plan desking, management offices, a meeting room, two privacy pods and a kitchen-café area. To achieve the industrial look, the design team created a raw, edgy aesthetic that blends functionality with an urban, unfinished feel. Throughout the space, you will see exposed brick walls and visible structural elements such as steel beams, ductwork and pipes. Materials such as steel and raw wood sit against industrial-style pendant lights and exposed bulb fixtures to create a stylish, timeless look. In the capable hands of the AXIS House team, the space underwent a complete transformation, taking it from shell and core all the way through to a finished, Cat B fit-out.
The operational aspects of the project included the installation of new partition walls and ceilings, electrical works, plumbing upgrades, data cabling, custom carpentry, new flooring, and painting and decorating. The layout was carefully planned to encourage collaboration and fluid movement. Glass partitions and chain-mail dividers allow natural light to flow through the space while making sure the functional areas are clearly defined. The design of each zone incorporates greenery in the form of pot plants, trailing ivy and desk planters. These biophilic elements bring a cosy, cocooning feel to the space. They provide a welcome contrast to the industrial aspects of the design while bringing wellbeing benefits such as reduced stress and enhanced productivity.
"I was specifically looking for the next step up when it came to the design of our new offices. We wanted a really high quality job and that’s what we got. I already knew Richard at AXIS House, and when we came down to meet the team and see the design presentation, I was really impressed. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AXIS House to others. In fact, I already have!" Guy Howden, Managing Director, Hillcroft Surgery Supplies
Creating a distinctive industrial aesthetic
Here’s how we brought aspects of industrial office design into Hillcroft’s new offices…
- Crittall-style glazed walls to separate the meeting rooms from the open-plan desk area
- Chain-mail effect hanging dividers to zone functional areas while allowing light through to flow throughout the space
- Industrial-style lighting: ring-shaped anthracite overhead lights in the boardroom, pendant lights in the kitchen, and bulkhead wall lighting in the welcome area
- Visible structural elements such as steel beams and ductwork
- Lockers with punched grill effect doors
- Grey mesh ceiling tiles that change to black above the walkways to delineate the different areas
- Exposed brick walls
- Putting wellbeing front and centre
Our team of WELL accredited designers are highly experienced at weaving wellbeing considerations into our clients’ schemes. Here’s how we created a nurturing and inviting environment for the Hillcroft staff…
- Greenery throughout the scheme such as planters at the ends of desks and trailing ivy on the branded wall in the reception area
- Glazed partitions to enhance natural light levels and increase exposure to beneficial daylight
- A kitchen-café area to provide access to healthy refreshments as well as encouraging collaboration and relaxation
- Stylish washrooms with copper taps, matt black sanitaryware and rusted metal finishes that tie in with the industrial yet elegant feel
- A predominantly neutral, monochromatic colour palette softened by shades of teal and blue derived from the Hillcroft logo
- Ergonomic seating for meeting rooms and desk areas.
“It’s been a pleasure working with everyone at AXIS House and the process was pretty seamless. Peter was an excellent communicator and he sees everything through right down to the smallest detail. The results are really high quality and the team delivered on all their promises.” Guy Howden, Managing Director, Hillcroft Surgery Supplies
The result: a workplace designed for success
Hillcroft’s new offices are like a breath of fresh air compared with the dated, uninspiring space the team used to occupy. The industrial office design suits the fast-paced nature of the work, and the open-plan flow has led to more conversations and better collaboration. Once the design had been agreed, the AXIS House team looked after every aspect of the fit-out, right down to the tiniest detail. This enabled the staff at Hillcroft to get on with what they do best – running their successful medical supplies business.
