Unity5

Unity5’s new home, located on the 1st floor of Clyst House is surrounded by large windows providing a superb level of natural light and views out onto trees and the park. The office layout consists of two wings connected by a central area, ideal for providing a social space for the team and visitors. 

Part of our planning strategy, in preparation for our design, included workplace consultancy in conjunction with Unity5. Our consultation involved a number of different staff engagement activities, the findings of which provided our design team with a clear understanding of what was required.

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‘To create a functional, flexible workspace to support the growth of Unity5 in terms of headcount, promote employee wellbeing, collaboration, creativity and productivity’.

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Bespa’s design incorporates a combination of workspaces, meeting rooms, collaboration settings, quiet spaces and a large central breakout area. The central breakout area creates a hub for the office and provides a social space for informal meetings for the team and visitors with soft seating presenting a relaxed ‘feel’. Adjacent to this area, each wing has been designed to accommodate separate functions of the business, one for collaborative dynamic work, the other for a quieter, more focused space.

During the initial site visit, our design team identified an area of double height roof void. This would give us an opportunity to maximise the use of available space by introducing a mezzanine floor above the central breakout area, also increasing the size of the overall office area. The concept was put to the Unity5 team who welcomed the idea of having additional space that could be used as a quiet, informal meeting and games . The mezzanine was designed and installed with access via a bespoke steel staircase including oak treads.

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On arrival at Unity5, visitors enter a welcoming entrance area with a living wall and tablet check-in facility.

Both of which sit within an oak clad open shelving unit offering visibility to the west wing office space and access into the central breakout area. The theme of this area is carried throughout the office incorporating Unity5’s new brand colour palette on upholstery and wall finishes, with natural finishes on furniture and flooring.

"The office space that Bespa has created makes it a pleasure to come into work to collaborate with colleagues, catch-up and be in an environment that promotes productivity, fun and a feeling of belonging and wellbeing.”

Maggie Seager 

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The main workspace has been planned in neighbourhoods for the current teams, whilst allowing for future expansion. Desks are finished with natural wood tops with sufficient space for monitors mounted on monitor arms to provide a clear work surface. Each workstation is equipped with a surface mounted power unit. Bespa worked with Unity5’s IT team to coordinate hard wired and wireless data requirements. The workstations are located with easy access to a number of meeting rooms and acoustic phone booths and pods should employees need privacy for calls or a catch up with a colleague.

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Lockers have been strategically placed around the office to facilitate agile working, allowing staff to choose how and where they work throughout the day. These lockers create distinct zones, adding organisation and functionality to the workspace. These units, with inbuilt planters, also introduce a natural element to the workspace, enhancing the overall office environment. 

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A variety of meeting space was high on the list of priorities for Unity5. Meeting rooms, with integrated AV set on acoustic paneling have been incorporated in our design using part glazed partitioning. A moveable wall has been installed to the largest room providing a flexible meeting facility for different configurations and meeting sizes. For example; a boardroom to accommodate twenty people for department, product or board meetings.

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Positioned outside the main meeting rooms, a bespoke joinery partition frame with integral planters forms a high bench huddle space that blends natural elements with practical workspace solutions. This area enhances both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the office environment.

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In addition to meeting rooms, one person phone booths have been strategically placed around the office for those seeking a facility for privacy. Two-four person pods provide an additional option for colleagues to catch up and a quiet space for focus without distraction.

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The design by Bespa provides Unity5 with an uplifting and functional workspace that supports their growth and team culture, ensuring a productive and welcoming environment for all employees and visitors.