HCC Insurance Holdings

Location
Fitzwilliam House, 10 St Mary Axe, EC3

Size
14,000 sq ft

Industry
Insurance

Client Objectives

The client’s lease on their single London premises was coming to an end. The intention was to house its front of house, client facing staff near to the Lloyds Building. Meanwhile, back of house facilities – including HR and IT – were to be located at a less expensive City address. Two floors in 1 Aldgate were acquired for HCC’s back of house staff, and one floor of Fitzwilliam House on St Mary Axe were acquired for front of house staff. The previous spaces had been dull and dark, and Interactive Space was briefed to create a light and productive workplace. Interactive Space’s aim was to capture culture of HCC and reflect that in the design.

The Project

Interactive Space acted as the Project Managers, and Cost Consultants on both premises, and had full design responsibilities, including Space Planning, Interior Design and Mechanical & Electrical Engineering. Phase I of the project comprised the fifth and sixth floors of 1 Aldgate. There are approximately 90 people per floor, and the density level is 1:9.8. A space plan was created and carpets were used to highlight walkways, to aid the flow of people around the office. Interactive Space added some feature lighting in some areas such as feature strip lights and pendants above the reception and break-out pods. Modern furniture with white surfaces allows the light to bounce back. The pods are formed of a pair of high-back sofas facing each other with a table between them. Each floor has its own kitchen-cum-breakout-space. Phase II, the front of house office at Fitzwilliam House, was designed in harmony with 1 Aldgate. It is a bright and productive environment that is also welcoming to visitors.