A high-energy brief

Located along the busy M4 corridor, SSE’s Reading headquarters is the largest, most technologically advanced office in the organisation’s estate.

SSE approached us to help create a flexible and dynamic work environment that enhanced collaboration, efficiency and productivity among their teams.

With the teams spread over eight floors and 1,547 permanent desks, we knew we’d need some bold, innovative designs to meet that objective.

Creating connections

SSE, unsurprisingly, wanted to give energy to the building, so we created spaces where staff could step away from their desks while maintaining their productivity.

From social pods to high backed armchairs, we ensured every breakout space was equipped with power integration and USB charging points.

For work that requires more intense concentration and complete silence, acoustic-dampened booths were installed throughout the building – again, featuring the all-important power and USB points.

High ceilings, high ambitions

One of the most arresting features within the building is the atrium space, which functions as a natural hub of collaboration.

Designed by our team alongside Claremont Office Furniture and HKS Architects, the atrium draws on our in-depth knowledge of creating multifunctional, vibrant  spaces for smart working that meet the vision of the client and the needs of the users.

Fusing function and form

With 136 break out spaces, 57 meeting rooms and a large ground floor café seating 260, this is a building designed to act as the heart of SSE – and the technology used within it had to reflect that.

Microsoft Surface Hubs were installed in all meeting rooms; increasing the opportunity for staff to hold video meetings and reducing the need to travel between sites.

Touch screen technology was also used throughout the building, gracing everything from the elevators to the interactive white boards enhancing the workflow of the marketing team.

A headquarters with heart

By creating spaces that put the needs of its staff first, SSE is doing all it can to ensure its current teams are as productive (and satisfied) as possible – and to attract talent searching for a workplace and employer who goes above and beyond.

With our help, they’ve created a technologically advanced, adaptable and welcoming place to work – something that, as we all know, is often hard to come by.