Morgan Lovell open Model Office of the Future at Birmingham's Fort Dunlop.

Gossip around the vending machine could be a thing of the past as office transformation specialist Morgan Lovell breathes new life into the traditional British tea break, with the creation of a revolutionary workplace in Birmingham.

Based in the iconic Fort Dunlop building, Morgan Lovell has completed its new site in the city as a blueprint for the future, with innovative design and sustainable features being used to turn the traditional concept of the office on its head.

At the heart of the 4,500 square feet workspace is a large-scale ‘break-out’ area, which resembles a contemporary city centre coffee bar rather than the traditional tea break area.

It’s a world away from the facilities workers would have enjoyed at Fort Dunlop in its manufacturing heyday, but Morgan Lovell is convinced the approach represents the way forward for happy, and more productive, office staff.

Julian Lebray, managing director of Morgan Lovell in Birmingham, said: “Traditionally, tea break areas are tucked away, out of sight, and that in turn tends to make people huddle together and talk amongst themselves in their own departments.

“By making the break-out space the central feature of the entire office plan, staff approach the area openly and it removes barriers to create an interactive, energetic environment.

“Ultimately that leads to a creative, free-thinking culture and more productive, satisfied staff.

“Manufacturing workers from Fort Dunlop would probably be quite amazed at the transformation.”

Other features at the new development include homely wallpaper in the boardroom, to create a feeling of warmth, comfort and relaxation.

Office corridors have also been abandoned, with all workers based in an open-plan environment, which manages to combine freedom of space with definite work zones, such as a mail and communication centre.

The entire effect reflects Morgan Lovell’s vision to deliver offices that are as comfortable as possible – by bringing some of the best aspects of domestic life into the office.

Morgan Lovell has expanded into the new office at Fort Dunlop from existing premises in Solihull, where the company was based at the Birmingham Business Park.

Julian added: “We needed to show we practice what we preach and demonstrate that innovative workplace design can create a sustainable, inspirational office, which does not cost the earth.

“Birmingham is a really exciting place to be in business. This is a superb location to bring to life our vision for the future and introduce the concept to clients across the UK, so they can travel to Fort Dunlop and see just what can be achieved.”


ENDS


Notes to Editors

Located in London, Birmingham and the Thames Valley, Morgan Lovell is the UK’s leading office interior design, fit out and refurbishment specialist. With its own teams of designers, surveyors and project managers, the company can design and deliver entire projects, with the benefit of just one point of contact. www.morganlovell.com

It is a member of Morgan Sindall plc, the construction and urban regeneration group. The Group operates through five specialist divisions: fit out, construction, infrastructure services, affordable housing and development.

Morgan Lovell is a licensed BREEAM Offices Assessment Organisation. This means it is now licensed to measure the sustainability score of an office in order to identify ways companies can reduce high energy usage and waste, whilst increasing comfort and satisfaction for users of the building.

Press release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR Limited. Tel 01538 308685. Mobile 07985 129315

jane@shepherd-pr.com