Details

Country

United Kingdom

Architect

DGA Architects (Shropshire)

Photographer

Richard Stonehouse

Category

Offices

Get Inspired

Offices, Interior, Entrance, Meeting room, Office, Dining room, Auditorium

After twenty years, leading supplier of carbon monoxide, heat and smoke alarms and sensors AICO had outgrown its existing home. Based in the Shropshire town of Oswestry, AICO decided to relocate within the same area, but to a purpose built site big enough to house the business.

Located on a major road leading into Oswestry town centre, AICO wanted the building to offer a bold welcome to visitors, as well as being aesthetically pleasing to local residents and passing traffic.

Shrewsbury-based DGA Architects were briefed to deliver this new home for AICO. The new premises has not only transformed the working environment for AICO’s team; half of the overall site is taken up with green space, a large landscaped garden area, a wildlife pond, and other outside facilities. This was important for AICO who wanted to ensure staff comfort, mental health and wellbeing were all at the forefront of the new site.

Having worked with Delta Light previously, DGA specified a number of solutions into AICO’s new site which is mainly lit using Delta Light products. Delta Light’s Superloop pendants can be seen in a prominent position in the central curved atrium. Superloop was chosen for its high-quality design and functionality, as well as the fact it matched the aesthetic circular design running through the premises. Circles can be found in the carpets, as well as detailing visible on the underside of ceilings.

The impressive atrium is itself circular, with an eye-catching rounded edge glass lift taking staff and visitors between floors.

The idea of a clutter-free workspace was important to AICO, who believe in the adage “tidy desk, tidy mind”. Delta Light’s discreet Deep Varo and Streamliner 70L profile were two more of the solutions used in the building, illuminating the rooms without being overly intrusive. This perfectly aligned with AICO’s vision for a smart yet minimalist headquarters.

The site also boasts a gymnasium, games room, people-first staff area and breakout coffee corners. It is no surprise that the AICO team are very happy with their new home.