Bridgestone
Leading global tyre manufacturer Bridgestone wanted a workplace ‘with pull’ – one that would entice the UK team back into the office and make them feel inspired and connected to each other, and the business. Claremont was tasked with injecting the Leamington Spa HQ with personality and bringing Bridgestone’s brand and ‘E8 commitment’ to life.
Sector
Other
Location
Other
Size
16,000 sq ft
Duration
12 weeks
Scope
Design & Build
Workplace Furniture
Workplace Technology
Workplace Consultancy Approach
Upon initial discussions with the Bridgestone team, we took a bespoke approach to the Getting to Know You process, ensuring we obtained a robust design brief, whilst working to programme and budget. Bridgestone had previously engaged with their colleagues about their workspace development, so as part of our Workplace Consultancy process, this data was analysed and interpreted. A design-led workshop with Senior Stakeholders enabled validation of this interpretation, providing an opportunity to discuss the alignment to the business goals and success measures, and filling in any gaps within the data. To seamlessly continue the colleague engagement journey, a pulse survey was created to establish views on the look and feel of the design, which provided a clear direction to the concept planning process.
Stakeholder Workshops
Pulse Survey
How We Added Value
Bridgestone’s vision was to create a workspace that tells its brand story, engenders collaboration and connection and can accommodate personnel from its group businesses First Stop and Webfleet Solutions, which was previously based in London.
Claremont was tasked with transforming Bridgestone’s old cellular and formal office into a modern, agile and welcoming workspace to accommodate 150 employees. The design drew on findings from Bridgestone’s in-house consultation with employees and sought to also reflect the company’s strong ethical and sustainable values, known as Bridgestone’s E8 Commitment.
The design takes inspiration from the circular shape of tyres – details include a round reception table, acoustic panels, ceiling lights and curved partition walls. Other nods to Bridgestone’s products can be seen in the use of rubber effect flooring and tyre size manifestations. Bridgestone’s E8 commitment was used to help name different rooms, zones and activity based work settings across the two floors.
Claremont has delivered a cohesive and sophisticated workspace which reflects the brand and has distinct uses per floor. The ground floor is home to a collaborative and social focused space aimed at clients and visiting group personnel. The first floor is dedicated to Bridgestone’s employees and includes a variety of work settings and break-out areas. It includes stand-out features such as an on-site gym, games room and a central town hall space with bleacher seating, in which to host company gatherings and encourage community and ideas sharing.
The once private offices of managers have now been opened up to the main floorplate, creating a greater sense of togetherness and community, while the managing director’s office also doubles up as a meeting suite and project space.
Bridgestone’s environmental commitments have been brought to life through the re-use of 60% of their existing furniture, partitions and glazing. This reduced the waste sent to landfill significantly. Claremont also installed new M&E systems to bring the building up to new modern standards and deliver greater energy efficiency.
The investment in our Warwick headquarters is so much more than an office refurbishment but a commitment to our employees, our partners and the community. Bridgestone is evolving into a sustainable solutions company. Our new office is a living testament to this philosophy, bringing our environmental promises to life. It's an inspirational place to work from and an investment to our staff to provide them with a better connected, more collaborative and inspirational working environment.
Andrea Manenti, North Region Vice-President, Bridgestone
Warrington Design Studio (HQ)
Claremont House
The Breeze
2 Kelvin Close
Birchwood
Warrington
WA3 7PB
