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Project

Allianz

A sustainable and inclusive Gold SKA-rated fit-out

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UK South

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35,000

sqft

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Office Space

UK South

35,000

sqft

Office Space

A sustainable and inclusive Gold SKA-rated fit-out

A workplace that encourages connection, collaboration, focused work, inclusivity, and pride and belonging.
The traditional-style, multi-level office has been transformed into a vibrant open-plan environment.
Allianz achieved the highest SKA rating available and is on track for Fitwel certification.

UK South

35,000

sqft

Office Space

Outcomes

Challenge

A workplace that encourages connection, collaboration, focused work, inclusivity, and pride and belonging.

Insight

The traditional-style, multi-level office has been transformed into a vibrant open-plan environment.

Solution

Allianz achieved the highest SKA rating available and is on track for Fitwel certification.

People

A workplace that encourages connection, collaboration, focused work, inclusivity, and pride and belonging.

Place

The traditional-style, multi-level office has been transformed into a vibrant open-plan environment.

Planet

Allianz achieved the highest SKA rating available and is on track for Fitwel certification.
A workplace that encourages connection, collaboration, focused work, inclusivity, and pride and belonging.
The traditional-style, multi-level office has been transformed into a vibrant open-plan environment.
Allianz achieved the highest SKA rating available and is on track for Fitwel certification.
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A sustainable and inclusive Gold SKA-rated fit-out.

After setting high standards for Allianz’s offices in Manchester and Milton Keynes, this project needed to maintain the same exceptional quality, uphold their brand identity and celebrate the unique character of their Guildford workforce.

To reflect Allianz’s commitment to being a socially responsible business and ensuring every staff member feels valued and empowered, we put employee experience, inclusivity and sustainable choices at the heart of this workplace design.

Together, we transformed Allianz’s Guildford Business Park office into a vibrant, productive and inclusive HQ, with minimal environmental impact. By reimagining the layout, we turned the traditional, multi-level workplace into an open-plan environment that maximises space and gives employees more choice in how and where they work.


Delivering on promises

Allianz has outlined its sustainability strategy and commitment to protecting the planet – taking action to conserve resources, minimise pollution and improve employee health and well-being.

In Manchester, they relocated to a building rated ‘excellent’ by BREEAM, and in Milton Keynes, they achieved Fitwel accreditation. We supported Allianz in their mission to set the bar high and aimed for two accreditations with their Guildford fit-out project.

Securing accreditation success

 

We partnered with a specialist team at Alphacello, who ran a pre-assessment to determine which accreditations Allianz should target and how to achieve them.  

We took the criteria for SKA-rated accreditation – which aims to improve the environmental outcomes related to office fit-outs – and Fitwel certification –which focuses on the well-being of its occupants and communities and filtered this through to the whole supply chain.

This included all designers and subcontractors working on the project, so everyone was clear on what’s required. To keep on track – and identify opportunities to surpass expectations – these measures are regularly monitored through tools and on-site visits.

By engaging early and creating a clear strategy, Allianz is now one of a few companies in the UK to have gained Gold SKA-rated certification. They are also on track to receive a Fitwel certification very soon.

“It’s not very often we see one person in charge of  all the accreditations, but having Jamie, TSK’s Sustainability Director,  managing the process kept everything organised and facilitated that communication.”

 Jasmine Wilson, Sustainability Consultant - Alphacello

The detail is in the design

Inspiring a sense of belonging

This workplace needed to feel like Allianz’s home. We used textures and colours that complement the Allianz brand while bringing warmth to the space. We also incorporated custom lighting features on the walls, showcasing key messages that reflect their culture and values.

Catering to a diverse workforce

Every design decision was carefully considered with inclusion and diversity in mind. We installed automated doors and shower cubicles to make the environment accessible for all. And we broke up colours, textures and patterns for a sensory experience that supports a neurodiverse workforce.  

 

Reuse and repurpose

We repurposed as much of the furniture as possible, to reduce the waste sent to landfill. Our approach was that if there was no reason to remove it, we wouldn’t. For example, we reused partition glass, doors, light fittings and carpet – even the moss wall was reconstructed!

Settings for every activity

Although Allianz wanted to incorporate more collaborative areas, it was important to provide enough desk spaces for process work.

By changing the layout, we transformed the traditional, multi-level workplace into an open-plan environment that maximises the space. This means there are now more versatile work settings, such as:

●      Semi-enclosed spaces for informal conversation

●      Phone booths and focused workspaces

●      Social settings

●      Meeting spaces, including rooms that accommodate larger gatherings

A productive environment

To prevent distractions – balancing connection with privacy – we added features such as:

●      Bookcases integrated with acoustic panels

●      Semi-transparent screens

●      Metal rafts in the ceiling

●      Planting

A workplace fit-out that raises the bar

 

This design and fit-out project has given Allianz’s staff a productive and versatile workplace that caters to a diverse workforce. Putting their people at the heart of the design, and making conscious decisions that align with their values, has enabled Allianz to create an exceptional workplace experience – and a space to be proud of.

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