Aalco

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Office Design & Fit Out

Client

Aalco

Location

Leeds

Project Duration

12 weeks

Project Size

4,101 sqft

Sector

Industrial/Office Construction

Project Background and Objectives

Aalco commissioned us to refurbish their existing two-floor office space to better serve the needs of their sales and warehouse teams. The first floor was designed as a lively, creative space for the sales team, while the ground floor required a more formal, corporate feel with a direct connection to the warehouse. The aim was to improve staff engagement and productivity, enhance daily workflows, and reinforce Aalco’s brand identity throughout the workspace.

Solutions and Approach

Our design and fit-out focused on creating two distinct yet cohesive environments:

First Floor

Playful, curved walls and bespoke joinery to foster creativity
Comfortable breakout zones with soft seating
Feature walls and artwork adding personality and energy
Biophilia elements to improve air quality and create an open and airy feel
Open-plan layout with flexible seating supporting collaboration

Ground Floor

Corporate colour scheme using Aalco’s red, black, and white to clearly express the brand identity
Sleek finishes and glass partitions for a modern, professional look
Practical layout ensuring smooth flow to the warehouse
Breakout spaces including a kitchen and social area with high tables and seating

Challenges and Solutions

The main challenge was balancing two very different atmospheres within the same building while maintaining cohesion. We addressed this by:

Creating distinct design themes for each floor that reflect team cultures but use complementary materials and finishes
Maximising natural light through large windows and internal glass walls to keep spaces bright without sacrificing privacy
Planning layouts carefully to ensure efficient day-to-day operations

Results and Benefits

The refurbishment delivered:

A creative, energising first-floor environment that boosts morale and teamwork
A professional, practical ground-floor space supporting warehouse operations
Increased natural light and the inclusion of greenery improving staff wellbeing
Consistent branding reinforcing Aalco’s identity throughout the office
Completion on time and within budget, with positive client feedback

Key Takeaways

Distinct design styles can coexist effectively when linked by consistent materials and branding
Flexible, open layouts support collaboration and efficient workflows
Natural light and biophilic elements positively impact staff comfort and productivity
Clear brand presence strengthens company culture and pride