Manchester, UK

Working closely with local interior architect Incognito, Hilson Moran developed a flexible M&E design solution to accommodate additional breakout space, new staff facilities – including a brand new fitness suite – and a workplace targeting WELL Gold certification.

Our design involved all existing services being re-configured to suit the new office areas, with those on the ground floor sprayed green to create a more contemporary look and work with the design concept and ethos.

The ground floor comprises an enlarged and refurbished gym, the new fitness studio as well as new shower and changing facilities. The existing commercial kitchen was retained, with the addition of more sustainable LED lighting, and a newly refurbished restaurant area for staff.

Central to the development and a focal point for occupants was a new auditorium facility, with flexible lighting control and AV systems throughout, capable of hosting larger ‘town hall’ style meetings.

A new central break-out space has been introduced to the first floor, with large scale feature lighting and standalone meeting pods installed throughout, designed to facilitate flexible working habits.

To meet the target of WELL Gold, Our WELL assessors helped specify low VOC materials, paints and finishes throughout the refurbishment. Our lighting design ensured sufficient lighting intensity for working spaces, with high colour quality LED lighting configured to reduce glare.

WELL assessment also checks drinking water quality and demands an M&E design with sufficient ventilation rates to ensure high indoor air quality, with resultant benefits to staff health and wellbeing.

Engaging in WELL is an ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of the building’s occupants, as WELL requires continuous monitoring and engagement of health and wellbeing aspects throughout the project’s lifetime.

PZ Cussons staff successfully moved into their new office space in January 2022.