As part of an ongoing £500m regeneration project for Sunderland City Centre, a new City Hall has been developed and KI’s 800 Series powder-coated steel shelving and storage systems were utilised throughout to create partitions and an array of different work settings.
The new 190,000 sqft headquarters were designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects whilst the furniture dealer for the project was Workpattern. The offices have been arranged in open floorplates around a light-filled atrium. The overall aim was to provide settings that were unusual and bright and help to promote well-being and collaboration.
KI’s 800 Series lockers and storage units, specified in cream, have been placed in different settings to support the workplace and give employees somewhere to securely store files or personal effects. The lockers use RFID technology so can be individually locked, while the units have lockable compartments.
The use of KI products also meant that the design was kept in line with WELL Building Standards as both the shelving units and the lockers are Certified Indoor Advantage Gold, meaning that they support healthy indoor air quality.
Paul Glaister, Brand Principle of Workpattern said, “We’re thrilled to be part of a key regeneration project that has been acknowledged by the BCO on the national stage. The project included a rich typology of workplace settings designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects; these included some special/bespoke solutions also created by them to provide a real synergy between the building and furnishings.
“This approach and level of detail required development and coordination with various manufacturers on bespoke design detailing and finishes. KI really engaged with us and the project designers to deliver solutions that met all aspects of the design and the high-quality standards required.
“From my perspective, the Hybrid 800 series/colonnade solution provides one of the most impactful elements within the office landscape but marries this with enormous practicality and usability.”