Terumo

Matt Ling

• Architects

Building cohesion across a national workforce

Terumo is a Japanese medical device company operating in more than 160 countries worldwide. With the lease coming to an end for their UK HQ, the decision was made to relocate to a contemporary business park that could better serve the team's needs. The objective was to create inviting spaces that would work in two key ways - encourage their wider field-based workforce to come into the office more frequently, and create an effective regional hub to facilitate meetings with the wider European team. AXIS House was brought on board to complete a full design and office fit-out project for Terumo's new Camberley HQ, creating welcoming, flexible spaces with an emphasis on social interaction and wellbeing.

The challenge: reconnecting the team

Moving from offices set over two floors, the team at Terumo wanted to lose the sense of disconnect and instead create a cohesive flow in their new, single floor HQ at Meadows Business Park. To encourage their hybrid workforce to come into the office more frequently, they needed to create inviting, sociable spaces that would allow for improved collaboration and a greater feeling of togetherness. Branding was also a key objective. With a requirement to host regular meetings for the European leadership team, the design of the new offices needed to reflect the Terumo brand while presenting a welcoming and attractive environment for staff and visitors alike. Flexibility was another vital factor. The spaces we designed had to be both adaptable and sustainable. They needed to have the capacity to flex in response to the future needs of business, while adhering to Terumo's sustainability commitments.

The solution: sociable spaces designed with wellbeing in mind

We transformed Terumo's new Camberley offices via a CAT A fit-out which saw the premises zones into four distinct areas: a branded reception space, an open-plan work zone, a boardroom, and a café-style breakout area.

Across the entire floorplate, we leaned into the client's requirement for wellbeing provision, designing spaces that encourage interaction, maximise natural light, and provide a connection with the future.

Our designers reinterpreted the bold red and green of the Terumo logo as more muted shades of burgundy and fern to create a relaxed and homely feel. Biophilic elements such as colourful planting were also introduced throughout to enhance productivity, reduce stress, and bring the outside in.

Crittall-style glazed partitions were chosen to allow natural light to flood throughout the space and make the most of the amazing views across the surrounding grounds. They also serve to create clean, contemporary lines whick align with Terumo's clinical focus.

"We chose the team at AXIS House for their knowledge and expertise, but also because they're incredibly friendly. They communicated with us so well throughout, and I'm very proud of the way this project has turned out." Carlie Maxwell - Customer Service & Tender Office Manager, Terumo UK & Ireland.

A focus on wellbeing

Our WELL accredited designers brought biophilic elements into the new Terumo offices including greenery and nature-inspired colours to emphasise the connection between outside and inside.

Adhering to specific WELL Building Standards relating to light and comfort, the fully adjustable sit-stand desks we selected for this project were placed as close as possible to the envelope glazing to maximise the benefits of natural light.

Prioritising sustainability

In line with Terumo's (and our own) commitment to protecting the planet, many of the furniture and fittings for this project were sourced from sustainable manufacturers.

We also reused existing items wherever possible. The boardroom chairs, for example, were simply moved from the old premises to the new, and some of the existing carpet was incorporated into the redesign.

A winning partnership

"The thing that surprised me most about working with AXIS House was their attention to detail", says Carlie Maxwell, Customer Service & Tender Office Manager for Terumo UK & Ireland. "I'd never worked on a fit-out project before, so I didn't realise how much there is involved from picking furniture to choosing paint swatches. The team were really knowledgeable and supported me so well throughout the project."

And the feedback Carlie received from Terumo staff was really positive too:

"Just wanted to say what a brilliant job you've done with the office, it's an amazing facility and congratulations for all the work you've put in to getting us to this point. It's the best Terumo office I've worked in, you should be proud of the achievement."

"Well done on a superb job, you have created a great vibe within the office, you have done so well"

Conclusion

With the aim of encouraging the Terumo team to spend more time together in the office, we created warm and welcoming spaces featuring a sociable café and adaptable hot desking. But the proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

The latest feedback confirms that the brief was well and truly met. Staff at Terumo Camberley tell us they love the new office so much they're choosing to come in and work there even on their non-mandatory days. Exactly the outcome our team at Terumo wanted to achieve in its mission to improve the sense of company culture and cohesion.