Thrive Homes Case Study | Oaktree Interiors

Thrive Homes's Challenge

Thrive Homes are an independent housing association which owns and manages more than 4,000 rented and leasehold properties across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Their current headquarters is located at Westside, Hemel Hempstead, which offers a range of support services for their tenants.

Thrive is a very apt name, considering the company operates within some of the fastest-growing areas in the country. In recent years, population and business growth has risen significantly within the South East, which has allowed Thrive to well, thrive. By 2019, Thrive expect to offer a further 150 affordable homes for rent, sale or on a shared ownership basis. Due to their growth, the company are looking to expand their headquarters to cater for an expanded workforce; requiring a new office design in Hemel Hempstead.

Oaktree's Solution

Having received an initial layout proposal from the client, the Oaktree design team made some layout revisions ensuring that the space worked for accommodating both visiting clients and the office support teams.

Once on site, our team prepared the site with the removal of parts of the ceiling for work commence on the air conditioning refinements and lighting layouts to fit with the new layout. A mix of glass and solid partitions were installed, which then allowed our electrical teams to commence on the data and electrical installations.

During the build, final design finishes were agreed upon, in line with Thrive Home's new corporate branding. Decoration and furniture was the final stage in the fit-out process.

What Oaktree Delivered

As one of the leading housing associations in the area, Thrive Homes continue to increase the number of properties that they own and mage across the Northern Homes Counties, which requires an increase in head office staff numbers to help in the management and back office functions of the business.

The business has therefore out-grown their existing offices in Croxley Green Business Park. With an impending lease-end, a decision was made to look for more new accommodation in Hertfordshire that would for the flexibility of future expansion and allow the company to adopt a more flexible working environment.

Thrive required space that offered plenty of formal and informal meeting areas, for both internal and client meetings. Modern collaboration areas was an important requirement. A vibrant and contemporary design was needed. These elements were considered important factors in showing that the company provide a great place to work and help attract the best candidates for new positions in the future.

In addition the brief was to provide an open plan office area, dedicated and hot desk private offices. Large staff break out areas that can be utilised for future functions, presentations and accommodate all employees when required. The front of house needed to offer a welcoming reception, formal boardroom and client meeting areas in close proximity to the reception area, as well as client waiting areas and tea point area.

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