A modern benchmark in site office & welfare facilities
When TCi furniture WORKS was approached by Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture (SCS JV) to plan, supply and install office, changing-room and canteen furniture for its HS2 sites, it was clear that a fresh emphasis on staff wellbeing, function and visual appeal would define the project.
The scheme encompassed 12 London sites as part of the UK’s High Speed Two (HS2) infrastructure development, accommodating approximately 2500 staff including the client’s flagship building ‘Stephenson House’ on Granby Terrace Bridge.
“it was clear that a fresh emphasis on staff wellbeing, function and visual appeal would define the project.”
Allan Clarke, Senior Workspace Consultant at TCi explains;
“From the outset, our close working partnership sought to align with SCS JV and HS2 project values, engaging with key stakeholders to understand a diverse range of requirements, from the identification of representative brand colour fabric options, to sensitive product selection for wellbeing rooms”
The TCi space planning and expert procurement teams undertook the challenge of maximising capacity within the various temporary modular buildings, providing flexible options to cope with constantly evolving Covid-19 safety regulations alongside standard workplace requirements.
“A range of high quality and bespoke products were identified that would meet the site-setup programmes and budgets, with continuity and availability guaranteed through strong UK-based supply chains during a period of market volatility.”
James Galliford, TCi’s SCS JV/HS2 Account Manager
Further risks to programme included delays to the completion of site accommodation buildings, availability of labour and security restrictions due to planned protest activity. TCi maintained an agile approach, liaising closely with the client, product suppliers and modular building provider to provide flexible, reactive labour management to overcome these challenges without incurring undue costs or setbacks.
Delivered throughout 2021, the resulting facilities feature:
- sit/stand desks with natural wood finish and colour-coordinated screens
- combination mesh and steel drying room locker and basket systems with bespoke block bench units
- flexible covid-safe canteen and communal space provisions
- Agile working areas
- Specified breakout areas and meeting booths
- Individual acoustic phone booths
- Personal lockers for staff with individual ‘hot box’ storage caddies
“From the offset working with Allan Clarke and the team at TCi I knew we were in safe hands, having worked with Allan before he knows how I work and think, he got into my mind and worked magic pulling together an impressive layout and the furniture and fittings that I wanted. The install team were great and did a fantastic job even with the pressures of getting us in sooner after delays
It is always a pleasure to work with the team and I look forward to many more years”
Sarah Duffin, Area Office Manager SCS JV
Allan Clarke went on to say;
“We’re really pleased that SCS JV have taken such a comprehensive approach to creating positive working environments across their sites and hope that this is a model that will inspire others to embrace wellbeing on construction sites in the future. An additional highlight has been the opportunity to engage with the SCS Supply Chain Academy. It has enabled our staff to further develop their understanding of key construction industry topics, as well as gaining an insight into the benefits of HS2 to the UK’s infrastructure and economy.”
TCi has supplied furniture and welfare equipment to most major infrastructure developments in the UK over the past decade and continues to provide exceptional products, innovation and service throughout the industry. TCi takes care of it.
