Corporate Outdoor Room
Moving corporate headquarters to a new central Reading location called for a complete refurbishment of the new building including extensive exterior planting and the creation of an outdoor room in the former atrium to create a ‘wow factor’ visible from Reception. The client wanted a fusion of English/Japanese/Modern which would reflect the company’s culture and complement the interior styling of the new offices.
Activity
Following approval of concept and design by the company’s UK Directors, existing overgrown planting in the six exterior borders was removed. The existing large tree, lamp-post and raised bed of cobbles were removed from the atrium area – when the cobbles were removed a drop of 10cm had to be concealed by the final design.
The pagoda water feature in a copper pond was reflected in the surrounding planting and seating design for the compact outdoor room area which is accessed by staff from four inward opening doors for relaxation during the busy work day.
Planting beds against the building were adapted to protect the building from damp and a dynamic planting scheme was created for the building’s exterior beds to give interest all year round. The design of the pagoda is reflected throughout the stylish planting in borders and tubs at the main entrance.
“As a facilities manager I had a lot on my plate with the refurbishment of the new headquarters, but working with Audrey to create the tranquil outdoor room for our staff and exterior planting in six key external areas was a pleasure. Audrey worked with us from the initial stages of the project, interpreting our vision into visuals and detailed schemes. She was very flexible in working with us and our contractors during what was a stressful period and has made an amazing difference to how we are able to present our company to visitors. Audrey’s work also helped keep our staff excited about the move into their new offices after more than twenty years in our previous location and her design has given our new UK headquarters a real ‘wow’ factor”