AS OF NOW, THE CLEVER MONEY IS IN SMART OFFICES

If your office has a thermostat, smoke alarm or movement-sensitive – whether you know it or not – it’s a ‘smart’ office. Which is to say your office has automated, programmable devices that function without input.

In the last ten years however, the definition of a smart building has expanded exponentially. Whilst not quite at the stage of having intelligent doors and elevators with the GPPs (Genuine People Personalities) featured in Douglas Adam’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, we’re not far off it.

The revolution started in the home with the introduction of AI equipped home hubs such as Alexa and Google Home, which respond to voice commands, coordinate multiple different devices, and can even initiate a complete set of actions in response to a phrase like ‘intruder alert’.

The key difference is that the devices are not merely automated or programmable, but that they are centralised and integrated – part of the so called ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT)

Now the smart revolution has been rolled out in the corporate world. With sensor hubs similar to a home assistant, HVAC systems, security and utilities can be integrated for streamlined operation and maintenance, monitoring performance, maintenance schedules and pin pointing errors such as leaking plumbing before damage is caused to your building.

Such connectivity is not only of advantage to operators, but to contractors who don’t want to run multiple sets of cables through walls, and to architects, who no longer have to deal with ‘wall acne’ like light switches and thermostats.

And there are economic arguments to match. Fifteen years ago such connectivity would have been in the realms of science fiction and the price of achieving it astronomical. Now it’s not only possible but affordable. As the physical and installation cost of sensors, connectivity and hardware goes down the most ambitions visions come within reach.

At SKK Design we’re up to speed with the latest developments, work closely with specialists in the field and will be pleased to advise you on the design and construction of your smart building.

Like the smart home, the smart office is becoming the norm and staff, like homeowners, are beginning to expect the improved levels of comfort and efficiency it can bring. Such a work environment makes an impressive extension of a company’s brand, and a powerful recruitment tool for potential employees.

Speaking of which, let’s leave the last word with Douglas Adams, from the sales brochure of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation: All the doors in this spaceship have a cheerful and sunny disposition. It is their pleasure to open for you, and their satisfaction to close again with the satisfaction of a job well done.

Business premises are brand extensions make yours special

A commercial building is more than a place of work. To owner occupiers it is, of course, a financial asset, but what is less generally recognised is that it is a brand extension of your business or organisation.

 

Think for example of the Prudential building in Holborn, solid Victorian Gothic in all its magnificence. What more ringing endorsement of the companys stability, propriety and prosperity? Or, by way of contrast, think of the Stansted Airport terminal with its thrusting columns and striking steel and glass canopy you cant get more dynamic and futuristic than that.

 

Both buildings are purpose built in the fullest sense, which is to say that they are not only fit for purpose but buildings of character, as distinctive as the enterprises they house. In our view at SKK Design all architecture should aspire to this ideal, although it stands to reason that not all clients have the scope and resources for projects on that scale.

 

That said, it should not prevent them putting their stamp on their premises, even if the starting point is a ready-to-occupy unit in a mall, industrial estate or science park. Or, for that matter, the conversion of a former factory or farm building.

But to begin at the beginning, there are certain categories of building that by their nature must be purpose built such as schools, hospitals, hotels and laboratories. Their design will depend on a number of criteria, such as community needs, market demands, technical requirements and budgetary constraints.

 

At SKK Design we have experience in all these sectors, acting for both corporate and public service clients in everything from creative concept through to handover.

 

If youre not able to start from scratch but still want a building tailored to your needs, conversion or refurbishment of an existing building is probably the most logical and economical alternative.

 

We have plenty of relevant experience in this area too our own offices are the conversion of what was originally a flour mill and thus we are well placed to manage your office conversion or refurbishment. Even if you cant afford to suspend trading whilst its in hand we can manage it in stages whilst youre in occupation.

 

Then comes the icing on the cake. The fit out and finishing that gives your building personality and makes it an extension of your brand. This is particularly important in retail outlets or service businesses like cafes and restaurants.

Creating a theme for an eatery is all about originality, dcor, lighting and acoustics, the last details that impart that all important ambience and strike a chord with customers. Check out our blog The Tomato That Grew Into a Caf for an insight into how we helped our clients realise their vision in this area.

And here’s one we made earlier: Our showcase renovation project

At SKK we are firm believers that craftsmanship, like charity, begins at home, and as an architectural and design practice we wanted our offices to be a show case of what we can do for our clients. An important aspect of our work is the conversion or repurposing of existing premises, especially those of architectural merit or with period features worth preserving.

So, when the opportunity came to acquire Hatfield Heath Mill we were presented with our dream project. The Mill has been at the heart of local village life and history since it was built as a brewery in the mid 1800s, when it malted barley and brewed ale and served such local inns as The Stag and The Thatchers on the Heath, the Dukes Head at Broad Oak and the Crown and Queens Head at Sheering, amongst many others.

The first repurposing of the Mill came about towards the end of the 19th century when the rise of the big breweries swallowed up the smaller ones or run them out of business, as was the case with Hatfield Heath Brewery, as it was then known.

The Mill was sold by Sworders of Bishops Stortford to the Edwards family and converted to a steam corn mill, which it was to remain, under various owners, until the 1960s. An extract from the 1883 sales catalogue gives the social flavour of the times. The property was advertised as a substantial brick-built brewery together with commodious genteel freehold residence most desirably built in close proximity thereto, and five cottages with large gardens for workers placed at a convenient distance therefrom.

The Mill was sold for the princely sum of 860, a snip compared to the price paid for it by SKK in 2012, when it was placed on the market for offers in excess of 350,000. And that was just for the shell of the building, which had been gutted after several iterations including use as a warehouse, a manufacturing unit for a lighting company and an educational publishing company.

Since its last occupier left in the 1990s, the building had stood empty and was allowed to deteriorate, so the offer from SKK to acquire and renovate the Mill was warmly received by Hatfield Parish Council, especially as we undertook to preserve the historic merits of the building as listed by Essex County Councils Archaeological Department.

Brick faced and timber clad on the upper storey, the exterior of the Mill is substantially unaltered, including the distinctive overhanging lucan for the winding hoist, and the hoist itself, originally used for lifting sacks of grain to the upper storey.

The interior has been renovated from the ground up, with the central staircase repositioned to the corner of the building to better accommodate open planned architectural stations, offices and meeting rooms, reception, refreshment and toilet areas.

The objective has been to incorporate a modern design within the original structure whilst retaining such period features as oak beams, posts and roof trusses. We invite you to judge the success of the project for yourself by visiting us and taking the grand tour. And if youre in the market for a renovation project yourself, you can trust us to bring a sympathetic eye to it.

Have a look at our case study by clicking here

Computer says yes software systems for facilities managers

Do you say yes or no to department demands during the refit or reconstruction of a new office? As architectural designers we understand the challenges facing FMs and have worked with many to find the right balance of needs versus wants before, during and after a project (when an FMs work really begins!).

Key to the whole business is finding the best CMMS (Computer Maintenance Management System) software. Here is our guide to finding the right one for you.

  • Define your goals and create an action plan to meet them. You can then prioritise the right features and tools to choose the most suitable software.

 

  • Maintenance is a priority. Ensure your system can track all your assets and notify you when inspections, servicing and replacement needs must be met.

 

  • Get the team on board. Welcome their input. It will increase staff buy-in and highlight any issues that may arise during the procurement process.

 

  • Reporting is critical. Ensure your system reports the data you need, say to create reports for management analysis or generate procurement lists.

  • Operational ease. Intelligent software will allow you to manage workloads, staffing and costs associated with time sensitive or tightly budgeted projects.

 

  • Day to day management. Look for automated alerts and smart systems. Pop-ups and emails remind you of imminent tasks, or system failures.

 

  • Working remotely. Being able to access the system from your phone or tablet helps flag issues that may arise when youre away from the office.

Finding the right solution for your business may be off-the-shelf or tailor-made. Either way, research both internally with your team and externally with providers is critical to getting it right the first time.

Olympic house the gold standard of sustainability

Olympic House, Switzerland, the headquarters of the Olympic Committee, meets the gold standard of sustainability in office building. In this profile we highlight the elements that make it outstanding – elements that we at SKK aim to incorporate in commercial projects for our clients.

Designed by Danish architects 3XN, Olympic House has been built with 95% of the former administrative buildings reused or recycled. In a move that has considerably reduced their carbon footprint, all 500 staff of the Olympics Committee are now located under one roof.

 

Five Olympic Rings

The design of Olympic House embodies five key elements: symbolism, integration, flexibility, collaboration and sustainability. The overall shape is harmonious and graceful and is inspired by the movement of an athlete whilst encapsulating each element within its framework.

 

Situated with the backdrop of Lausanne parklands, the internal configuration is set out to maximise views of the beautiful surroundings. The stunning central staircase visually links all levels and encourages you to walk just a little further to take in the views rather than taking the lift.

 

 

A New Beginning

With only 14 columns across the entire structure, every inch of space has been maximised. The open plan spaces, transparency and shared spaces encourage communication, facilitation and interaction as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

Even the furniture was a source of innovation and inspired engineering. The Olympic Committee pushed the market to its limits to find new ways of working for this iconic building.

 

Smart Stats for Olympic House

  • 80% of construction costs were spent with local companies
  • 95% of construction waste was recycled
  • 35% reduction in energy consumption compared to a new standard office building
  • 60% reduction in municipal water consumption to a new standard office building
  • 95% of former administrative materials were reused or recycled
  • Awarded 3 Sustainable Certifications: SNBS, Minergie, LEED
  • The building has 2500 m2 of vegetated roof

OUR TOP TEN TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MOVE

Moving is a significant upheaval for any organisation.

As the Facilities Manager it’s your responsibility to ensure a smooth transition for all.

At SKK we’ve worked with many FMs and understand the challenges you face.

Here are our top ten tips to help make your move go as smoothly as possible.

  • Insist upon a clear vision of what the business needs now and in the future and provide as much information as possible to the design team
  • Get approval on key issues from senior decision-makers. Budget and key dates need to be agreed in principle as early as possible
  • Factor in hidden costs like move management, storage and dilapidations. Consider possible disruption to your core business due to IT downtime etc.
  • Involve security, IT, mechanical and electrical consultants at an early stage. Their requirements need to be coordinated by your architectural designer
  • Take lease length into account when investing in new infrastructure and IT. Consider a reduced spend on items that can’t easily be transitioned forward
  • To get staff on board with the move have your architectural team put together a high level visual presentation or a virtual reality walkthrough
  • Manage your own time effectively. Consider outsourcing practical management tasks to your architectural team as the lead consultant
  • A move is an opportunity to break with tradition. Work with your design team to embrace new ways of working and create multifunctional spaces
  • Share your staff wish list with the design team at an early stage. The earlier the implementation of design intent, the less cost is involved
  • Be clear on lines of communication between the design and construction teams to prevent you becoming the point of contact during the build

As architectural designers, our job at SKK is to help you create spaces that work in both form and function. We understand the challenges faced by many FMs, and so are well placed to help you make a seamless transition into your new offices.