BCO_National_Awards_2026_Suplement - Flipbook - Page 39
PROJECTS UP TO 2,500M2 NET
O
verbury’s move last
year to a 7,000 sq ft
Northern headquarters
at Chancery Place in
Manchester came at a pivotal
moment in its growth in the
region.
After 18 years at the Zenith
Building, where it occupied
just over 4,000 sq ft, this
was a move that signalled
its expansion and required a
standout space that lived up
to its ambition. The judges
said the result “serves as a
powerful working showroom
that perfectly embodies the
professional standards of its
occupants”.
The fit out specialist
briefed Manchester-based
interior design consultancy
SpaceInvader to transform
this compact space into a
high-functioning, client-facing
workplace that would support
collaboration, creativity,
wellbeing and future growth.
The 13th-floor office was
reimagined around the
concept of “connection”,
bringing together people,
Manchester, nature
and different workplace
experiences. A sculptural
ceiling takes the form of a
nautilus shell in a stunning
reference to Overbury’s brand
which provides both lighting
and acoustic baffle.
The design’s strength
lies in its zoning. A mix of
touchdown workstations,
private focus rooms, informal
and formal meeting spaces
and a wellness retreat enables
employees to choose different
settings throughout the day.
High-energy collaboration
areas are contrasted with
restorative spaces, including
a quiet library, wellness suite
and parent/prayer room with
wudu wash, while a social
hub encourages interaction.
Workstations are positioned
along the glazed perimeter to
maximise natural light and
bco.org.uk
BCO Awards 2026
Client
Overbury
Occupier
Overbury
Project Manager
Overbury
Interior Designer
SpaceInvader
Sustainability Consultant
Overbury
Contractor
Overbury
city views, while enclosed
rooms are internalised to
maintain acoustic integrity.
The judges were particularly
impressed by the retrofitfirst strategy. This achieved
a value-driven Cat B fit out,
while retaining major base
build infrastructure and more
than 60% of existing furniture.
Sustainability was integral to
the design from the outset: a
range of low-embodied carbon
materials, FSC-certified
timber, energy-efficient
lighting and recycled finishes
were incorporated throughout
the space, reflecting
Overbury’s commitment
to reducing environmental
impact while enhancing the
user experience.The office
has achieved SKA Gold
certification, a prestigious
standard that recognises
sustainable design and
construction practices.
The judges pointed to user
satisfaction as the clearest
measure of success, noting
that “ultimately, the project’s
success is validated by its
users; with an 88% post
occupancy satisfaction rate
confirming that this is a
workplace where people truly
want to succeed”.
October 2026 • ESTATES GAZETTE • 39
