Bath-based firm Interaction, a workplace design and build specialist, created the ultimate workplace for financial comparison website money.co.uk. By Transforming their unique and characterful office in The Castle, Cirencester.
Having not had any major work done in years, the 10,000 square foot Grade II listed Victorian ‘Castle’ they occupied did not illustrate their current standing and vision for the future of the business.
At the heart of the refurbishment was their team, to reward staff with the best place to work. This meant creating an environment where their team can flourish, fulfil their potential and feel happy. In 2015 money.co.uk were ranked 2nd fastest growing business in the UK by The Sunday Times and needed their workplace to reflect this growth and illustrate their culture. Furthermore the cost comparison company needed their new inspiring work environment, to continue to attract and retain the best talent in their industry.
The design concept was to juxtapose the traditional architecture of The Castle with a contemporary and one-of-a-kind finish. The distinctive building provides a characterful and quirky workplace setting, therefore the interior needed to reflect the eccentricity of the exterior. The unique design features include, but are not limited to, a bespoke Star Wars themed cinema complete with popcorn machine, hand painted suits of armour, ‘Rolling Stones’ and ‘Steam Punk’ themed bathrooms.
An important part of creating the ultimate office meant focusing on the functionality of the workplace, designing a space that would allow the team to work effectively. Interaction explored the needs of the individuals and created a multitude of flexible and adaptable work settings to enable people to work the way they want. This included creating a variety of spaces such as the ice cave, ski lodge, and high-tech room which can all be used to have informal meetings, socialise, or simply relax.
The result of the £3 million investment is a fun, unique and extraordinary environment that goes beyond convention to give everyone at money.co.uk the ultimate workplace. The fantastic new office proves that a workspace doesn’t have to be a place just for desks, it can have a discernible positive impact upon the people and the business. After 9 months on site, the client is beyond delighted with the finished product that has generated real value for the company. This project is a perfect example of how by placing wellbeing at the centre of the brief and design you can use your workplace as a tool to incite a positive culture and enhance productivity, creativity and collaboration.
Dieter Wood, managing director of Interaction said: “The fact that the money.co.uk were aligned to our values and philosophy made this job extremely rewarding as they mirror our belief that staff are the most valuable asset of any company. The result exceeded all expectations, creating an extraordinary space that can change people’s working lives and have a significant positive impact upon the business.”
“We were given complete freedom to transform The Castle into a remarkable and one-of-a-kind workspace that breaks the boundaries of corporate normality.”
Chris Morling, founder and Managing Director of money.co.uk added: “We very quickly realised that this was much too big a job to do on our own, and we made the right decision by bringing Interaction on board. They opened our eyes to what was possible beyond just making the place look pretty. The workplace adds an extra level of motivation and satisfaction from working in such a stunning and functional environment.”
“I absolutely love the finished product and I’m really delighted, going above and beyond my original expectations.”
To find out more about Interaction visit: www.Interaction.uk.com
