Size

2,000 sq ft

Location

Birmingham

Activity

Property & Coworking

Duration

10 weeks

The Home of Spaces + Stories is a Grade II listed building reimagined for the needs of a diverse, modern workforce.

We have transformed a vacant, self-contained office space into a multifunctional environment where our people are encouraged to work, rest and play in ways that best suit their needs.

It's an incredible fusion of apparently opposing ideas to create a harmonious space that celebrates the traditional and embraces the future. And in showcasing everything that’s great about our workplace, we know it will inspire exciting new ideas in yours too.

1569 005

Coleshill Manor Office Campus is an established business location, just a few miles from the M42, M6 and M6 toll junctions, and conveniently located between Birmingham and Solihull.

Office Principles North relocated to the campus three years ago and, following a period of sustainable business growth, identified a larger, available office space on the same site.

We acquired the building in 2023, and have since made substantial investment in its refurbishment.

When embarking on this move, our priority was cultivating areas for social connection. Spaces to gather, share ideas, and simply enjoy each other's company.

Whereas the ground floor buzzes with movement and collaboration, the first floor provides a warm cocoon for focused work.

The open-plan ground level encourages fluidity between tasks. Sit-stand desks promote activity while allowing casual interactions. An architectural studio vibe arises from exposed utilities and industrial accents. The pantry, kitchen and breakout spaces form a relaxed social hub.

Staff gather here for meetings, meals and recharging. Open sightlines unite the environment as colleagues circulate between working, eating and unwinding. The varied textures and provisions energize occupants with freedom and choice.

Upstairs in the former hayloft, the atmosphere shifts to a refined snugness. Light pours through skylights and vaulted ceilings, giving the space an ethereal glow. The lounge area exudes premium comfort with plush seating and soft flooring.

Bespoke carpentry and tactile finishes envelop one like a blanket. Acoustics dampen noise to enable deep focus. Tucked away meeting rooms provide insulated settings for concentrated collaboration.

The environment invites quiet contemplation and careful creativity. Its cocoon-like intimacy contrasts the ground floor's vibrant connectedness. Upon entering, the change of ambience is palpable, washing over occupants to help minds settle.

Together these two floors form a holistic ecosystem. The ground level propels productivity through variety and movement. The first floor restores mental clarity amidst stillness and comfort. By interweaving these experiences, our workspace nurtures growth, connection and wellbeing.

Balancing collaboration with concentration, the new workspace nurtures creativity and wellbeing. Intuitive wayfinding and considered acoustics enhance accessibility.

Of course, there are challenges in delivering any project, especially one within a listed building. It meant that our project management and operations teams had to find imaginative ways to solve several problems.

All external works required planning permission, we had to engage a specialist to obtain a heritage report and the landowner had to approve the upgrade of mechanical equipment - all within a tight programme schedule.

Our design for The Home of Spaces + Stories takes inspiration from relaxed dolce vita lifestyle found in Italian countryside, thoughtful design creates a mindful oasis. Natural materials, organic forms and plants forge links to the outdoors. Considered acoustics and furnishings ensure comfort while celebrating texture. It's a warm, intimate space that nurtures quiet reflection, lively collaboration and meaningful bonds. Our team has discovered the sweetness in simplicity, creating a unifying, inspiring retreat by embracing the slow living spirit.

Everything has a purpose. An architectural-style, ground floor, open plan office, provides agile spaces for work and socialising. Its centrepiece is a kitchen/pantry area that greets guests and provides a flexible setting for team gatherings and special occasions.

There are sit/stand desks promoting movement and activity, a generous sized meeting room and a boardroom designed to be traditional in function but with a hospitality-led feel.

Both floors are connected by an understated colour palette and elements of handcraft, including original exposed beams and bespoke joinery, and an extensive array of planting.

The workplace is characterised by its consideration of the neurodiversity needs of users, with clear lines of sight, comfort acoustics, a wireless Casambi lighting system and a range of fabrics and textures, from a waved concrete wall to an elegant timber stair rail.

Sustainability is also incredibly important to us. It’s why we have reused items of existing furniture, reupholstered phone booths and added electric vehicle charging provision.

In many ways The Home of Spaces + Stories isn’t an office at all - it certainly doesn’t look like a corporate workplace. It’s a space that brings people together by wanting and desiring to be there, a genuine retreat for people who understand world-class workplace design.

This is so much more than a traditional office space, which is why we’ve named it The Home of Spaces + Stories. We wanted a place where people felt comfortable, as if they were entering their own living room, with a layout that encourages people to interact and collaborate. Its design succeeds in balancing the competing needs and wishes of our diverse team, with a blend of functional aspects and showcase features. Every aspect of the space practises what we preach as a design-led, workplace consultancy and we hope it inspires our clients every bit as much as it does our people.

Tina Batham, Managing Director

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