NHS Business Services Authority, Stella House

Flexiform completes the installation and fit-out of NHS Business Services Authority, Stella House. Flexiform were approached as part of an ongoing contract with the client. We were asked to propose products that could support Smart Working and the Clients new Digital Hub, supporting HQ Functions and New technology.

At Stella House, the team wanted an environment to implement Smart Working to encourage staff collaboration, wellbeing and productivity. Smart Working (also known as Agile Working) is to use modern technology and different types of workspaces applicable to the task at hand. Work anytime, anywhere, using any device. Thomas Kennedy from Stella House created concentration, collaboration, breakout and thought-shower zones to boost staff performance and morale.

Project Data

CLIENT : NHS Business Services Authority.
LOCATION : Stella House, Newcastle upon Tyne.
PROJECT LEAD : Northern Hub.
PRODUCT : Pico Bench Desks, Desk Mounted Screens, Monitor Arms, On Desk Electrics, Flip Top Tables, Freestanding Screens, Media Units, Media Booths, Mobile Seating, Stools, Wooden Tables, 1-2-1 Booths, Solo Work Pods, Freestor Accent Lockers.
WORKSPACES : Collaborative Workspaces, Open Plan Offices, Staff Breakout, Training, Idea Generation.
SERVICES : Space Planning.

Office Smart Working Design

In the design scheme, each piece of furniture was supplied with a purpose in mind. High back booths were supplied for semi-private collaboration spaces. These booths absorb external office noise while encouraging staff to work together without the need to build purpose-built meeting rooms, providing a considerable cost saving, a booth arrangement is also flexible as they can be reconfigured. The booths also duplicate up as a concentration area for staff to break away from their desk and focus on specific tasks.

Flexiform installed Pico hot-desking as a traditional activity-based working environment that is familiar to staff and provides a comprehensive array of built-in IT and network points. Hot-desking has no assigned seats and has fewer desks to the overall number of staff, giving staff total freedom around the office. No under-desk storage was used, instead, a range of lockers was provided for personal items allowing users to move around the office freely. At the end of each bank of hot desks, mobile TV screens were placed so hot-desk users could project work up for discussion throughout the day.

Office Interior Design

At Stella House areas were zoned off with the use of colours and textures. Using biophilic design to improve staff well being and productivity. The client opted for green grass-like carpeted areas, solid wood work tables and forest motifs to create an organic natural feel, providing a natural boost to creativity. The use of colour also promoted desired behaviours and feelings based on psychological reactions and not personal preference and helps identify the changing characteristics of the zones. A variant of sensory changes helps to stimulate staff and change staff mindsets as they move through the office.

Stella House is a perfect example of an Agile Working environment that allows flexibility for staff and in return creates a move efficient, pro-active workforce.