Howden Insurance Brokers (“Howden”) is a leading independent international insurance broking group. Having selected the space at 79 Robinson Road, Howden appointed DB&B to design and build their workspace.

This project required DB&B to deep dive into how the Howden businesses work together to offer their services through a series of workshops. The goal was to create a more agile and collaborative working environment which considers space adjacencies to support Howden’s day-to-day operations.

THE WARM INVITE

As a result, the new Howden office now boasts a suite of shared areas that includes a grand reception, high tech meeting suites, quiet rooms, café and training facilities.

The grand reception greets everyone with an envelope of subtle sophistication, inspired by the notion of hospitality. Laid in an angled manner, this allows visitors unblocked vision of the magnificent panoramic views that surround this building. The reception desk spots an elegant quartz counter top with a backdrop that cradles all three of the business’ logos.

The ceiling and floor pattern leads one seamlessly into a suite of meeting facilities. The various meeting rooms are dressed in a variety of unique and subtle themes that are simply visually-pleasing. Cushioned wall panelling, acoustic ceilings, nature-inspired wall paper, the sophisticated curation of lounge furniture and ambient lighting all but sum up the fine touches of hospitality.

Anchored by a majestic central bar counter that offers hints of European influences, the café is clad in largely blue furniture with gold trimmings. This eye-catching combination of design elements motivates employees to use this space for meaningful work discussions or to simply catch a breather from work with full-length window views of the cityscape.

PROMOTING VISIBILITY

At the workspaces, DB&B opted to promote visibility and maximise the use of natural lighting. By opting for clear glazing over solid walls, visibility is maintained across the various spaces. The different neighbourhoods are equipped with amenities to support the operations of the respective businesses. Work benches are opted with collaboration areas peppered carefully or used as subtle space dividers. Quiet pods are also fitted for those who prefer more focused work. Smaller pantries are made available for the businesses should employees opt for a quick refill or to store their personal belongings in the lockers.

After a full year of hosting their employees at a co-working space, Philippines digital bank, Gotyme, recently took over the floorplate at Ortigas Center to build a place of their own, The DB&B team worked closely with their team to identify the key priorities for their business, such as user experience and to exude a professional and reliable brand image. With this understanding, the design of their office sought to express the same goals. 

THE WELCOMING EXPERIENCE 

This welcoming zone is dressed with a luscious moss wall backdrop, hosting the company’s logo. The backdrop is set against a timber surface pieced together with slats of different colours, and this design extends to the ceiling, and is paired with matching vinyl flooring, creating textures and injecting vibrancy into the space. The clean white wall at the side with geometric cut-outs also serve as lighting for the space, offering a futuristic experience to guests and employees that step in.  

Designed to be a customer-centric arrival zone, two digital banking kiosks are placed next to the reception counter so guests can help themselves to quick transactions. A lounge space is also carved out opposite the kiosks to allow customers and guests to wait in comfort while appreciating the sophisticated design within this space.  

CONNECTING THE SPACES 

Studying the work styles of their various departments, the layout of the space was planned to support their business models and dial up productivity. For Gotyme’s sales team, it was important for them to be located near the entrance in order to attend to customers promptly. Understanding that an agile work model works best for them, DB&B created an open collaboration hub with a multitude of work settings for the Gotyme team to move around during the workday. 

To facilitate company events periodically, this open collaboration hub can be transformed into an open space for parties and townhalls. This is made possible with the use of movable furniture that can be stowed away or reconfigured easily based on the occasion. Amenities such as a fully equipped pantry is also thoughtfully carved out next to this hub.

Similarly, for the finance team who requires a higher level of privacy, a space is allocated at the back office, with acoustic panels separating each desk to protect privacy.  

Apart from the open discussion areas, private meeting rooms and semi-private huddle spots are also found around the office to support different modes of discussions. Lining the perimeter of the office, these spaces enjoy unblocked views and natural light from their full height windows, stimulating the mind for brainstorming and sharing sessions.  

THE RAINBOW CONNECTION 

It was imperative that employees feel engaged and connected to this new workplace that truly belongs to them. To fulfil this, a key design element incorporated into the space was a ‘rainbow track’ that leads the way from the front office to the back. This track is made up of Gotyme’s corporate colours – building the sense of identity employees would experience as they journey deeper into the office.  

Similarly, pops of colours can be observed through the selection of furniture pieces, acoustic panels, carpets and wall colours throughout the office. Acting as a means of wayfinding, the carpet colours also signify the designated workspaces of Gotyme’s different departments.  

PSEUDO OUTDOORS 

To introduce biophilia into the office, nature-inspired materials such as wood panelling and rattan furniture, lights and space dividers were used in various parts of the office. Besides the impressive vertical greenery at the entrance, planter boxes are also installed across the floorplate to double up as ‘soft’ demarcation within the office. At the open collaboration hub, a ‘mini tree’ is also planted as a centrepiece to the space, sending alfresco vibes to its surroundings. Collectively, these biophilic elements create an oasis of comfort within the office space. 

CONNECTING WITH THE WORKPLACE 

In this new generation of the workforce, it is increasingly important for employees to be able to connect with their workplace and be motivated to head back to the office to collaborate in person. Gotyme recognised this trend, and worked together with DB&B to design and build an office that reflects their brand story and journey they have taken as a young company. This user-centric space also speaks of their company values and how they prioritise employee wellness to eventually drive productivity at the workplace.  

*This story was first published in Office Concept Magazine, Issue VI6N1, MCI (P) 067/03/2023. 

Housing up to 170 employees, their 24,000 square feet office space is adorned with a relaxing colour palette and a myriad of spaces designed to serve different work styles.

A WARM WELCOME

To reflect the essence of their brand, the design concept for the space takes reference from their angular logo and corporate colours, and is expressed through the use of angular shapes and diagonal lines along with shades of orange, blue and purple hues in the palette. Materials such as wood and copper tone mirrors are incorporated to add warmth to the space.

Angular shapes and diagonal lines can be observed at the concierge. Overhead wooden trellis, copper mirrors and camel-tone lounge chairs add warmth to the space.

The warm welcome begins with the uniquely shaped front desk. The ascending flight of stairs lends the perfect backdrop to frame the angular shaped concierge. To provide a prominent space for the sharing of corporate videos and announcements, a large display screen is embedded in the opposite wall to welcome guests and employees as they proceed through the entrance.

RECHARGE & REJUVENATE

The main social hub welcomes employees with a fully equipped pantry, along with a drinks chiller and abundant seating options. This area serves as the main space for meals, recreational activities and bonding sessions. Furnished with a pool table, foosball and table tennis table, employees can spend time unwinding after work, or simply step away for a mid-day break to have some fun with their co-workers.

Accent prints are applied onto bar counters and the backsplash of counters to inject a fun texture. Moss walls are wrapped around pillars to add a touch of biophilia to the space.

Caption: While taking a break from work, employees can enjoy a quick game of pool or use the large screens for console games.

SPACES AND COLOURS

Their back office houses numerous private meeting spaces with different configurations to suit different group sizes. These rooms are equipped with a smart room booking system, which allows employees to identify room availabilities at a glance and plan their work day accordingly.

Serving as a simple form of wayfinding, the various wings of their office are divided into three coloured zones – beige, purple and orange. These colours are vividly reflected on the pillars found near the workstations, and also on the acoustic panels used in the meeting rooms. To break the monotony, different shades of each colour are used in the selection of the acoustic panels, often giving off a gradient effect across the stretch of rooms.

Nestled at one side of their office is a library, where employees can visit for some quiet time in the focus pods, or to rest their eyes while enjoying the views of the Singapore River. Acoustic panels cladded on the pillars and walls add to the overall aesthetics of the space while serving as noise control for small group discussions to take place simultaneously.

GOING GREEN

The building – CapitaSpring, was awarded with the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award in 2018 for its extensive efforts in making for a greener society. With that in mind, this office is designed to reflect alignment and advocacy of this cause. Throughout the floorplate, motion sensors are installed to detect unused zones in the office to switch off the lights automatically. Energy efficient lighting were carefully selected to meet the overall wattage limits allocated for the space. Recycling bins are also carved into cabinets near printers and pantries located along the walkways to promote recycling.

AN EMPLOYEE-CENTRIC SPACE

With more employees gradually returning to the office, they are focused on offering a workplace where employees will feel welcome and equipped with the right settings and facilities to do their best work.

Astute Professionalism

Inspired by the archetypes of their global offices and designed to emphasize their professionalism, the dual-storey office is treated with a clean, white palette with subtle pops of colours to bring focus to the things that matter. Textures are injected through the use of acoustic panels, or choice of furniture materials. This theme of astute professionalism is consistently reflected throughout the office.

Built with Purpose

To facilitate confidential discussions, the core of the floorplate is lined with enclosed meeting rooms labelled as ‘Team Rooms’. These multifunctional rooms can be easily converted to individual offices by shifting the loose furniture around, and repositioning the computer screens. To keep this space flexible, electrical wiring concealed within the acoustic panels and walls are designed to accommodate various configurations without the need to overhaul the space.

Workstations are customised to promote ergonomic work – with height adjustable tables that encourage movement throughout the day, along with large monitor screens to display their work efficiently. Between each desk, a dividing panel also helps to keep employees focused on their work.

Located at the upper level of the office, two multi-purpose rooms are available for larger group activities. Both rooms are segregated by an operable wall which hosts a writable surface for brainstorm sessions and discussions. Moveable furniture and partitions allow the space to flex and adapt to accommodate town halls and company gatherings.

Apart from the rooms built for work related activities, to resonate with the company’s values of wellbeing and inclusivity, mothers’ rooms are also included on both floors of the office.

Creating Connectivity

To maximise opportunities for ad-hoc interactions between employees, the office is also designed with two forms of connectivity in mind- horizontal and vertical. The horizontal connection that was incorporated into the layout was ‘The Link’, which connects the reception and workplace.

The Social Hub is where employees congregate during meal times, conversations happen and professional relationships are built. This well-equipped pantry is located on both floors and are thoughtfully designed with amenities to cater to the larger crowds.

This space offers a variety of seating options – bar counter seats, table seats, booth seats and also sofa seats. Employees who enjoy natural light would gravitate towards the window seats, while booth seats would be the choice for those who prefer a semi-private setting.

Here, the vertical connection of the space can be observed through the connecting stairs at the Social Hub, allowing employees to move freely between both levels of the workplace.

As they traverse across the floors at the connecting stairs, they are greeted by a generous bed of ferns that add vibrancy to the office space. The staircase is designed with glass panels to depict a connected illusion between the floors. It also allows natural light to pour into the space freely, creating a sense of openness.

Going Green

The building – CapitaSpring, was awarded with the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award in 2018 for its extensive efforts in making for a greener society. With that in mind, the office was designed to reflect alignment and advocacy of this cause. Throughout the dual level office, motion sensors are installed to detect unused zones in the office to switch off the lights automatically. Energy efficient lighting were carefully selected to meet the overall wattage limits allocated for the space. Recycling bins are found near the workstations to provide easy access and promote recycling.

With employee productivity in mind, the design of the space is centred around meeting the pragmatic requirements to ensure seamless day-to-day operations in their office. The final result is a space that speaks of their dedication to professionalism and work efficiency.

While stepping out of the lifts, it is easy to identify the main entrance of the office – an eye-catching moss wall warmly greets everyone that comes in. This feature wall makes a statement against the pale-coloured palette of its surroundings. On the left of the moss wall is an elegantly sculpted solid surface tiered reception desk which serves to welcome both standing and seating guests.  

Located near the reception desk, the waiting area for guests is distinguished by a luxurious carpeted floor and generously wrapped in wooden cladding flowing from ceiling to the walls. This space is further accessorised with recessed downlights, soft leather seats, a marble coffee table and a large TV screen.

Parked behind the waiting area is a board room that can accommodate up to 20 pax. The design of the recessed ceiling cleverly mimics the shape of the bespoke meeting table right below it, creating a line of symmetry between the two elements, thereby achieving balance in the design and delivering a visually comfortable space. The full height windows allow meeting participants to enjoy the unobstructed and breath-taking view while taking a break from a formal discussion. 

WITHIN REACH 

With employee wellbeing at the top of our priorities, pantries are well-spread across the level to increase accessibility to amenities. The dual-coloured wooden carpentry lends a classy and timeless look to the area while fulfilling its function as meaningful and durable storage spaces. Pops of colours are incorporated into seat cushions to add a little vibrancy to the area. 

These pantries serve as a respite from work, and a welcoming communal space accessible by various teams nestled in various sections of same floorplate.  By creating pockets of similar spaces, we introduce opportunities for interaction and maximising possibilities of connection. 

THINKING FOR THE USER 

Creating a user-centric work environment was the key driver to the design of the back office. It is important to create a variety of work settings and privacy levels to integrate individual needs with work environments. With the user in mind, height adjustable desks are also used in place of traditional workbenches to improve ergonomics of the employee. Noise levels between benches are well managed by acoustic boards that also conveniently act as personal bulletin boards for quick references. Should one need to pull away from their desks to answer a private call, photo booths are readily available near workstations.  

Pockets of collaborative spaces are also located along the perimeter to maximise access to natural lighting and 180-degree views, enhancing spatial experience and driving creativity and innovation. Seating options in such spaces are aplenty, ranging from bar seats and counters, couches and armchairs with coffee tables, to pouf seats and stools.  

Private meeting rooms take on two different styles – casual and formal settings. Casual meeting rooms showcase a mix of lounge chairs, desk chairs and a sleek counter which can hold laptops for discussion. Other meeting rooms are equipped with a centralised meeting table and ergonomic chairs for formal discussions. These rooms are also fitted with smart video conferencing hardware to support meetings with global offices or external partners.  

COVERT COLLABORATION  

As companies seek to resolve challenges brought by a scattered workforce, good workplace designs that facilitate collaboration and communication play a major role in providing the right motivations for the teams. For this client, their new office design strikes a perfect balance by assigning ample spaces to the respective business units while creating common spaces for collaboration to take place.