Workplace Fit Out of the Year | x+why Manchester

We are thrilled to announce that our work on the new x+why office at 100 Embankment in Manchester has won the prestigious Workplace Fit Out of the Year 2024 award at British Council for Offices Midlands Awards (BCO Awards).

Moreover, this recognition follows our recent shortlist for Fit Out Of The Year 2024 at Insider Media’s North West Property Industry Awards. Therefore, It highlights the dedication and expertise of our team in creating innovative, functional, and sustainable workplace environments.

Our project with x+why involved transforming 33,000 sq.ft of space into a purpose-driven flexible workspace. Notably, the office design includes various collaborative areas, social and breakout spaces, quiet zones, wellness spaces, and flexible workspaces. Consequently, these features were meticulously planned to meet the needs of a dynamic and evolving workforce, ensuring that every aspect of the space promotes productivity and well-being.

Welcoming and Functional Spaces

Upon arrival, visitors arrive into a stunning double-height open-plan welcome area with floor-to-ceiling glazing, which floods the ground floor with natural light. Additionally, this vibrant space offers various settings, including sofas, booths, and an open events space with bleacher-style seating with views over the river.

Furthermore, a feature wall showcases a large, bespoke mural created by local artist Barney Ibbotson. Inspired by the building’s location, it includes 100 stories and references to Manchester and the surrounding area. Moreover, exposed services, unique feature lighting, lush greenery, and a coffee bar create a boutique-style ambiance.

Modern Amenities and Artistic Features

The ground floor also includes an open-plan serviced office space with meeting rooms, quiet pods, and a kitchen area. For instance, occupiers also have access to the mezzanine via a striking spiral staircase, where more desk space and an eight-person meeting room are situated. This layout not only maximises space utilisation but creates an inviting and functional environment for all types of work activities.

The first floor features a contemporary kitchen area, equipped with a tech-powered coffee machine, stocked fridges with organic beverages and snacks, and draught beer. Moreover, the ‘Mission Room’, a spacious meeting and events area, can comfortably accommodate up to 40 people and can be split into two separate areas. This flexibility ensures that the space can be used for various purposes, from large team meetings to smaller, more intimate gatherings.

Versatile Workspaces and Inspirational Design

The remaining space on the first floor and half of the second floor comprises serviced offices of varying sizes, open plan desk spaces, private meeting spaces, and agile workplace settings. Notably, the walkways between offices display bold graphics and quotes from x+why’s book Mission Lit. This not only adds a touch of inspiration to the space but also reinforces the company’s mission and values.

100 Embankment also offers a roof terrace with spectacular views overlooking the city. In addition, the space is fitted out with plants, trees, living walls, relaxed outdoor seating, and decorative lighting. Therefore, this outdoor area provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the office, allowing employees to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

For this office fit out we collaborated closely with x+why, Salford City Council, John Robertson Architects, and ASK Real Estate to bring this project to life. Our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity ensured that the office meets BREEAM excellent certification standards. This involved using sustainable materials, reducing material consumption and wastage, and creating a net-zero carbon footprint.

The workplace redesign incorporates varied settings for hyper and hypo-sensitive zones, providing balanced areas of stimulation and respite. Consequently, this approach ensures a comfortable environment for all employees, regardless of their needs. By integrating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, we not only reduce the environmental impact but also create a healthier and more pleasant workspace.

Project Management

The success of this project underscores the importance of meticulous planning and coordination. Key considerations included:

Site Security:

First and foremost, site security was paramount, keeping the site secure at all times. This involved implementing strict access controls and monitoring systems to protect both the construction site and the finished office space.

Minimising Disruption:

Furthermore, minimising disruption was crucial, ensuring minimal disruption to other tenants and the general public. This was achieved through careful scheduling and coordination, as well as effective communication with all stakeholders.

Efficient Deliveries:

Additionally, efficient deliveries were managed by coordinating vehicle and personnel movements to avoid delays. By streamlining logistics, we ensured that materials and equipment arrived on time and were installed efficiently.

Quality Assurance:

Maintaining design aspirations and managing M&E coordination throughout the project. Rigorous quality control processes were implemented to ensure that all aspects of the design met our high standards.

Winning the Fit-Out of the Year award is a testament to our continuous effort to redefine modern workplace design. We are proud to have been recognised for our work and look forward to continuing to create inspiring spaces for our clients. This award highlights the dedication and expertise of our team in delivering top-quality projects that enhance the workplace experience.

Thank you to the entire team involved in this project.

Get in touch

If you’re inspired by our award-winning project for x+why and want to transform your workspace, our expert team is ready to create a bespoke, innovative, and functional office environment tailored to your needs. Contact us to start your journey toward an exceptional workplace or visit our case study page to view our latest office fit out projects.