We have been working with Rand in Cambridge, a not-for-profit research institute, for several years. Most recently we designed and project managed the implementation of their new office space at Eastbrook House. We started by investigating their current requirements and this included workshopping how they felt about their old office post pandemic. It was clear that they wanted their new space to feel much less corporate with more natural materials, and it also needed to be as sustainable as possible and not go over budget.
We were able to learn from the old office that we needed to carefully zone areas for quiet concentration, collaboration and relaxation, and that we needed to ensure the open plan for the research team was not disturbed by informal meetings. The reception area was to remain secure with meeting and training facilities, and a large breakout area was required for collaboration and team building.
The concept for the design included exposed ceilings with suspended lighting, acoustic rafts and hanging planters and a soft mix of vinyl and carpet planks with recessed planters.
Some elements of the concept were subsequently developed to reduce cost, and these included changing the partitions from hardwood frames with small individual panes and sheers to a bronze-painted metal frame with a Chinese Paper manifestation detail. Much of the M&E was re-purposed, as was the furniture.
Most of the furniture for the new space at Eastbrook House was relocated from the old office to the new. We identified which items were needed for the new space and managed the relocation of the items as well as the disposal of anything that wasn’t required. Some new furniture was required to support the concept in the breakout area, and this was chosen carefully to complement the existing look and feel. We specified and supplied the new furniture with a declared margin on an open book basis.
