Transformation project turns functional canteen space into a vibrant hub that draws employees back to the office

Selecta recently enlisted the support of Hunts Office (Hunts) to transform Siemens Finance’s office space in Stoke Poges into an environment that encourages teamwork.

Based in High Wycombe, Hunts Office is an independently owned specialist provider of world-class furniture and workplace design. Their collaborative approach and expertise in furniture procurement, project management, design and space planning made them the perfect partners for Siemens and this transformative project.

Siemens wanted to develop a canteen space which hadn’t been operational since lockdown into an area where their team could congregate, socialise, and rediscover the purpose of the office. The leadership team also wanted to encourage more in-office presence and foster a sense of belonging and collaboration amongst colleagues. The vision was to create a relaxed café-style atmosphere, and with Siemens receptive to Hunts’s creative design ideas they were able to realise the true potential of the space.

When the team at Siemens first met with Hunts to discuss the project, it had been delayed due to challenges beyond their control. Recognising the importance of speed, Hunts committed to delivering a design for the new space within 2 weeks.

10 days later the Hunts team returned with a design that showed they had clearly understood what Siemens wanted to achieve. Key objectives had been considered and woven beautifully into the initial scheme design by the Hunts team.

Their designers pushed the boundaries of what Siemens were expecting, by looking at the overarching sustainability of the project and the overall impact it would have.' As Iain Buchanan, Account Manager for the project, from Hunts explains;

“The colour of the ceiling is a good example of the Hunts team spotting an opportunity that hadn’t previously been considered. The existing ceiling was a standard uninspiring white colour. Our design team chose to paint it a grey colour that brought together all the other elements of the design. Suddenly something that seems quite simple makes everything else work in unison. The team at Siemens were initially nervous about this but when they saw the finished space, they could see why we recommended it.”

Martin Skitt, UK CFO at Siemens agrees;

“I thought I don't know if we really want to paint the ceiling grey but I was wrong. It completely changed the vibe and the atmosphere of the room and I think that this blend of challenging design conversations and partnership to get what we wanted was absolutely excellent.”

Hunts also showcased its expertise and commitment to sustainability when recommending that a series of red vinyl chairs disliked by the team were covered with new material instead of thrown away. The decades old sofas now look brand new, reducing the project spend and equally acting in an environmentally responsible manner by extending the useful life of the products.

The final space features 9 different areas for collaborating, socialising and relaxing. This includes refreshments, a food preparation area with stools for socialising, a domestic social area with sofas and chairs, laptop tables for privacy, a games area and collaboration spaces with wide sofas and banquette seating running the length of one of the walls. Design considerations have been prioritised throughout with bespoke wallpaper covering an entire wall and an impressive biophilic suspended ceiling feature.

From the Facilities and Finance teams' perspective, the project was a huge success, with Hunts meeting all deadlines and budget constraints.

Most important to both Hunts and Siemens is the impact on the workforce. Individuals from various departments can now converge, collaborate, and celebrate milestones.

As Liz Barber, Head of UK Operations at Siemens explains;

“People just can't stop talking about it. We've seen people coming together, different members of different teams sitting and playing one game together, using the communal table to sit and eat… it's just become this lovely space that people are really really enjoying and it's great to see.”

With Martin adding;

“This has enabled people to work but also to collaborate and have fun at the same time which was absolutely what we were aiming for. Mission achieved.”

This collaboration with Selecta and Siemens Finance underscores Hunt's commitment to crafting spaces that not only meet but surpass expectations. As Iain states;

“The thing that puts the biggest smile on my face is the fact that we formed a true partnership with Siemens and all worked together to deliver a completely cohesive design that got the most amazing feedback when it was revealed to the team. From meeting our promise of a design in two weeks to finding solutions for unforeseen challenges throughout, we knew that Siemens trusted us to deliver the project on budget and on time. When you work that closely with a company and have that trust, you get the best out of them and they get the best out of you.”

If you want to speak to Hunts about the ways they can get the best out of your office space call 01494 256424 or email [email protected]