Aiming high with Allianz ALLIANZ LOCATION Manchester SIZE 14,000 sq ft SERVICES INVOLVED Design and Build Related content Insight / Industry Insights: IWFM - Exactly who wants to go back to the office? Industry Insights: IWFM - Exactly who wants to go back to the office? Insight / Industry Insights: The Pioneers - Where place meets culture Industry Insights: The Pioneers - Where place meets culture Insight / Biophilic design - naturally great. Biophilic design - naturally great. Insight / WELL buildings to make us all feel…Well WELL buildings to make us all feel…Well Allianz wanted to move their flagship Manchester office into a building that could support their new flexible working strategy. TSK were appointed to design and build the new workspace, with a brief for a much quicker turnaround than a company of their size is historically used to. Play Video Everything begins with insight To begin with, we ran a workplace consultancy workshop with key stakeholders to understand the drivers of the project and establish what they wanted to achieve with their new workplace. It’s now interesting to note that the initial consultation was before March 2020. The Time Utilisation Study we carried out at that time concluded that the team didn’t need as much space. Allianz were confident that they could successfully reduce the size of their office – but make the space better. Building for experience The new home of Allianz is in Manchester’s Landmark building. This is a state-of-the-art Grade A office space located in the premier business district of St Peter’s Square, with enviable connectivity to the city’s tram network. Importantly, Allianz and Landmark have a shared outlook on the importance of wellbeing in the workplace: “Landmark acknowledges that wellbeing has a direct influence on productivity. They have embraced this by integrating everything from huge natural light sources for improved productivity to excellent air quality and ventilation rates. In addition, mindfulness and wellness classes, fitness and mental health support workshops are also provided.” Sustainability is also a key value for Allianz, and they were suitably reassured that this building can support them and their workforce in this area. Designed by architects Squire & Partners, the 13-level Landmark building has been rated excellent for its sustainability, according to the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). Equipped with solar panels and electric car charging points, as well as sensors for lighting and taps, it includes storage for recyclable materials and a hub to park and maintain bicycles. As an award-winning building for sustainability, it represents the most modern space you could possibly get in a thriving city. Meeting the challenge Time was of the essence for all involved in this fast-track project of only eight weeks. To complicate things further, the building also had two other fit-out projects taking place simultaneously. This meant that logistics needed to be considered, planned and executed to a precise level of detail to deliver on time. The first floor was the only floor in the building with a vaulted, high-level ceiling (4m). To address this, we brought features down to a 2.7m level so when you are in a breakout space or a client lounge, it doesn’t feel like such a vast area. An office with purpose There are two distinct functions of the space: as a training area and as a secure micro office. Two-folding walls have been created to allow for open-plan meetings and presentations that can respond to the requirements of both of these functions. Applying the appropriate technology meant designing and installing a future-proof AV solution that met their needs for the long term. Amazon devices are synced with all hardware for voice activation and control, and each meeting/focus room has independently controlled lighting and scene-setting. Good to go Collaborative space, training areas and breakout environments account for most of the 14,000 sq ft footprint, with workstations only taking up around half the footprint of the floorplate. This workplace supports development, growth and learning. Taking lessons and cues from the contemporary world, it’s ready to meet the challenges of an evolving and adaptable future. Related content Insight / Industry Insights: IWFM - Exactly who wants to go back to the office? Industry Insights: IWFM - Exactly who wants to go back to the office? Insight / Industry Insights: The Pioneers - Where place meets culture Industry Insights: The Pioneers - Where place meets culture Insight / Biophilic design - naturally great. Biophilic design - naturally great. Insight / WELL buildings to make us all feel…Well WELL buildings to make us all feel…Well Interested in working with us? Get In Touch Copyright © 2019 TSK Group Ltd. TSK Group TSK Manchester 130 Metroplex Business Park Broadway Salford Quays Manchester M50 2UW 0161 872 0298 TSK London 31/35 Kirby Street London EC1N 8TE 020 3761 7461 enquiries@tskgroup.co.uk Explore Home What We Do Our work Insights About Us Contact Work at TSK Accreditations Terms & Conditions News Privacy Policy Modern Slavery Act Social LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Sign up for our newsletter You will be able to opt-out of these emails at any time. By signing up, you understand that the information you provide is subject to our privacy policy and terms. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.Ok