Edge has completed a new HQ for British lifestyle brand, Joules, in Market Harborough, where the brand was established more than 30 years ago
British lifestyle brand Joules has recently enlisted Edge to create its new 60,000 sq ft office space which brings the UK-based head office teams together under one roof for the first time.
Designed to amplify the brand’s heritage, the designers have conceived a unique working environment where a series of independent but interconnecting barn structures are assembled around a central covered space.
The playful interior is arranged into different ‘neighbourhoods’ with the facilities and appropriate technology to support agile working and collaboration. In line with current working trends, the layout supports a collaborative and activity-based work setting, giving staff freedom of choice in their working day.
To add warmth, the designers chose a carefully curated material and colour palette which corresponds to the language and palette of materials often used in farmsteads in the English countryside, while the detailing aims to be traditional with a contemporary twist. Natural light floods the space and employees can take advantage of the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
“We have had the opportunity to embed the Joules brand within the workplace, creating an environment which fosters greater collaboration across the different teams and functions,” says Michael Fern, Principal at Edge. He continues, “This new space will enable a workplace strategy of nimbleness, agile working and wellness as the business continues to expand in the UK and globally.
“Our approach has been to use our connected expertise in brand, interiors and architecture, to embody the Joules brand values and ‘the Joules way of life’ across all aspects of the design. We have placed people and the Joules DNA at the heart, bringing the expression of the brand to life and providing layouts and facilities to encourage movement and wellbeing.”
“We also wanted to create a strong sense of place that respects the natural surroundings of the site and have designed the scheme as a human scale experience with the building and the landscape interacting in a symbiotic way. We took the local farmstead vernacular as a starting point for the visual aesthetic and used sustainable materials.”
“At a time when many companies are questioning the purpose of the office, the idea of creating a centre of excellence still holds immense value and strategic importance for businesses. Joules is a great example of a company whose culture and passion for their product has produced outstanding results, now that the team have greater ability to connect and collaborate under one roof, I’m sure that this will only create the perfect springboard for future success.”
Images by Baileys Construction and Tim Crocker
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