Elegant, welcoming spaces for a brand with care at its core
Reflecting the reliability of the brand, CareTech’s commercial office Fit-Out has a reassuring solidity to it. The elegant palette and carefully-designed breakout spaces serve to unify the team and encourage collaboration.
Previously operating out of ‘gloomy and outdated’ offices, CareTech – a residential care provider – called on AxisHouse to create a new HQ that would set an appropriate tone for visiting investors while encouraging collaboration and improving staff wellbeing. AxisHouse was selected from a shortlist of 10 contractors because of our confident approach and reassuring track record.
Working to a tight timescale, our team designed and built corporate spaces, desking zones and breakout areas across three floors, including a dedicated training room for group sessions and roleplay. Designed for staff and visiting teams from across the country, it supports the day-to-day conversations at the heart of CareTech’s work, while meeting wellbeing and sustainability objectives.
“Working with AxisHouse was a breath of fresh air — I had so much comfort from the team throughout. It was easily one of the best project management experiences we’ve had, and they delivered what they promised.”
Bilal Siddiqui
Director of Facilities, CareTech
In less than 14 weeks, we designe dand delivered a series of light and airy spaces that align with the CareTech brand while creating a warm welcome for visitors and a sense of belonging for staff.
We created clearly defined zones for this commercial office Fit-Out across the three floors of the new Uxbridge HQ. The ground floor is home to CareTech’s investment arm and the fourth floor – with its sophisticated palette of burgundy, navy and dark woods – houses the partner offices and a formal reception area. The second floor, which has a warmer feel with earthy tones, welcomes staff with open-plan desking and a kitchen with café-style seating.
The AxisHouse team was available around the clock to the client, responding promptly to any queries and amendments while adhering to a challenging delivery timeline.
Designing with wellbeing and sustainability in mind
To align with CareTech’s wellbeing and sustainability goals, we incorporated the following elements:
- Each space was designed to maximise the available light, something we were keen to amplify in a building with full height windows and extensive views.
- In the staff areas on the second floor, we adopted earthier tones to complement the brand palette of burgundy, navy and charcoal. Pebble-coloured carpets and solid ash doors create a homely atmosphere.
- To enhance wellbeing, we introduced biophilic elements into this commercial office Fit-Out such as greenery and wood tones as well as water dispensers and tea points to encourage hydration.
- A dedicated prayer room on the ground floor provides a quiet, private space for reflection, filled with natural light and park views.
- For sustainability reasons, many of the previous flooring elements in the building were kept intact. Similarly, desks and seating were brought over from CareTech’s former premises. New furniture purchases were made from UK companies with a strong sustainability record.
‘A benchmark for future projects’
CareTech are delighted their spacious new HQ which has united the workforce, leading to a greater sense of cohesion and contentment.
“The chairman is really pleased and everyone who comes here says ‘Wow’ – even those used to high-end Thames waterfront offices. AxisHouse has helped us create a headquarters we’re proud of. It’s a benchmark for our future projects.”
A chance to collaborate
To enhance wellbeing and improve collaboration, a key part of the CareTech brief was to encourage staff interaction. A breakout area with tiered seating and a pool table allows for much-needed downtime. The existing herringbone LVT flooring was incorporated into the design to help meet our client’s sustainability objectives.
In need of better brand alignment?
CareTech’s new offices now reflect the brand perfectly. Get in touch to find out how we can help your offices feel more ‘you’.
