Aiming high with Allianz

The new home of Allianz is in Manchester’s Landmark building. This is a state-of-the-art Grade A office space located in the premier business district of St Peter’s Square, with enviable connectivity to the city’s tram network.

Importantly, Allianz and Landmark have a shared outlook on the importance of wellbeing in the workplace:

“Landmark acknowledges that wellbeing has a direct influence on productivity. They have embraced this by integrating everything from huge natural light sources for improved productivity to excellent air quality and ventilation rates. In addition, mindfulness and wellness classes, fitness and mental health support workshops are also provided.”

Sustainability is also a key value for Allianz, and they were suitably reassured that this building can support them and their workforce in this area. Designed by architects Squire & Partners, the 13-level Landmark building has been rated excellent for its sustainability, according to the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).

Equipped with solar panels and electric car charging points, as well as sensors for lighting and taps, it includes storage for recyclable materials and a hub to park and maintain bicycles.

As an award-winning building for sustainability, it represents the most modern space you could possibly get in a thriving city.

Time was of the essence for all involved in this fast-track project of only eight weeks.

To complicate things further, the building also had two other fit-out projects taking place simultaneously. This meant that logistics needed to be considered, planned and executed to a precise level of detail to deliver on time.

The first floor was the only floor in the building with a vaulted, high-level ceiling (4m). To address this, we brought features down to a 2.7m level so when you are in a breakout space or a client lounge, it doesn’t feel like such a vast area.

There are two distinct functions of the space: as a training area and as a secure micro office.

Two-folding walls have been created to allow for open-plan meetings and presentations that can respond to the requirements of both of these functions.

Applying the appropriate technology meant designing and installing a future-proof AV solution that met their needs for the long term. Amazon devices are synced with all hardware for voice activation and control, and each meeting/focus room has independently controlled lighting and scene-setting.

Collaborative space, training areas and breakout environments account for most of the 14,000 sq ft footprint, with workstations only taking up around half the footprint of the floorplate.

This workplace supports development, growth and learning. Taking lessons and cues from the contemporary world, it’s ready to meet the challenges of an evolving and adaptable future.