Ideas
Projects
Sectors
Services
Project
Van Oord
Creating a collaborative home that reflects Van Oord’s family culture and long-term regional commitment
UK North
15,000
sqft
Office space
Outcomes
Challenge
People
A connected workplace that brings teams together, strengthening community and wellbeing.
Insight
Place
Resolution House re-imagined to celebrate local heritage while creating bright, modern spaces for focus and collaboration.
Solution
Planet
Upgraded M&E and LED systems improve efficiency, cut energy use and enhance comfort throughout the building.
A connected workplace that brings teams together, strengthening community and wellbeing.
Resolution House re-imagined to celebrate local heritage while creating bright, modern spaces for focus and collaboration.
Upgraded M&E and LED systems improve efficiency, cut energy use and enhance comfort throughout the building.
No items found.
We partnered with Van Oord to transform their office in Stokesley into a bright, collaborative workplace that embodies the company’s family culture and long-term commitment to the region.
The project united people, heritage and performance through a complete mechanical and electrical renewal and a design that redefined the 15,000 sq ft building.
Building a connected home for a family business
For Van Oord, one of the world’s most respected marine-engineering companies, Resolution House in Stokesley has always been more than an office. It is the UK team’s base and a reflection of their values.
Over time, the building no longer supported the collaborative way teams wanted to work. It had become dated, with limited daylight and inefficient services. The challenge was to create a modern environment that respected Van Oord’s regional heritage while supporting the demands of a high-performing engineering business.
Discovery sessions with Van Oord’s leadership confirmed three priorities: visibility, efficiency and a sense of everyday connection. Our strategy focused on opening sightlines, bringing colleagues together through shared social spaces and renewing building systems to make the environment as effective as it was welcoming.
“We wanted to move on from a dark, siloed environment to something bright and connected, and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved.”
- Simon Ford, Van Oord General Manager
That clarity set the direction for design. Our aim was to weave collaboration, comfort and belonging into the fabric of the building.
Aligning heritage and performance
From the outset, our objective was to create a workplace that unites people while expressing Van Oord’s identity and long-term commitment to the region.
We worked closely with project leaders to understand not just the technical scope but the cultural intent behind the change. Three principles shaped every decision: connection builds culture, heritage fosters belonging and efficiency underpins wellbeing. These ensured the space met practical needs while reflecting who Van Oord are.
“The way it is now truly reflects what Van Oord stands for. It invites collaboration and engagement.”
- Roy van Loveren, Van Oord General Manager and Project Lead
The transformation became an opportunity to express enduring values through physical design. The result is a place where heritage and modern performance meet naturally.
Translating strategy into space
Every design move traced directly back to the strategy. Because visibility was critical, the plan opened clear sightlines across teams. To strengthen connection, circulation routes were planned through a central social hub. To improve wellbeing and efficiency, new lighting, HVAC and acoustic systems were integrated from the outset.
Materials and finishes echo Van Oord’s brand character: durable, honest and grounded in nature. Warm timber tones, soft textures and subtle brand accents create a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Large windows and efficient LED systems maximise daylight, improving both energy use and everyday comfort.
Behind the scenes, the M&E renewal brought Resolution House to modern standards. A new ventilation system improved air quality, while lighting controls and insulation significantly reduced energy consumption. These upgrades delivered measurable gains in comfort and operational performance, ensuring the building remains sustainable for the long term.
Culture in motion
When the new space opened, the team’s reaction confirmed that the strategy had worked in practice.
“When we opened the doors and saw everyone’s faces, it was a jaw-dropping moment. The buzz in the office said it all.”
- Peter Coleman, Tender Manager, Van Oord Offshore Wind
Resolution House has changed how people work together and share ideas. Spaces that were once underused are now central to daily life. Informal lounges, focus rooms and project zones support different ways of working and make collaboration effortless.
The refreshed environment has strengthened pride and everyday cohesion. Colleagues describe the space as energising and true to their shared purpose. It stands as a visible sign of Van Oord’s commitment to its people and the region.
By putting collaboration and comfort at the heart of the design, we enabled Van Oord to operate with the precision of an engineering business while embracing the openness of a modern, people-focused organisation.
“This project shows how deeply connected culture and performance can be. By aligning strategy, design and delivery, we helped Van Oord create a workplace that celebrates their identity and invests in their people for the long term.”
- Hannah Cusack, Account Director
Sustaining community through place
Resolution House now embodies Van Oord’s wider philosophy of sustainable progress: respecting heritage while embracing innovation. The office has become a hub for collaboration and learning, reflecting a long-term commitment to the North East.
The design strengthens operational efficiency and employee experience without losing authenticity. Every element, from layout to lighting, reinforces shared purpose and belonging.
This project completes the cycle of strategy, design and delivery. It has created a workplace that connects people, honours heritage and performs efficiently - a true reflection of how Van Oord’s culture and purpose work in harmony.
Keep up to date with the latest workplace ideas, projects and news
Related Projects
No items found.