DLA Architecture designs a ‘next gen workplace’ for Home Group’s HQ

DLA Architecture has completed a radical interior design project for Home Group, one of the country’s biggest providers of housing, health and care. The 70,000 sq ft headquarters at One Strawberry Lane, Newcastle, was one of the first post-pandemic purpose-built workspaces to be built in the UK.

In the planning process DLA anticipated the next generation’s requirements by designing a variety of settings to meet the next generation’s personal and business needs. “This workspace is like no other – it combines flexibility and innovation with our prime goal to improve the wellness of occupiers.”

Distinctive features and colour throughout were influenced by domestic environments to bring work and home atmospheres closer together. Greenery and landscape design greatly influenced the top floor with its patio, green and forest spaces. This greenery cascades down the central stairwell along a green wall as a lively biophilic connection through the building that starts at the café and entrance.

Using a myriad of settings for inspiration – including a theatre stage – DLA defined their interiors through zoning. Routes were carved out between hubs of core infrastructure, such as tea points or scanning facilities, to divide the floorplate into flexible spaces suited to focus work and cluster gatherings or combined for larger social events.

Detailed workshops between DLA and Home Group enabled the practice to fully grasp their client’s views on the future of work and their need to foster collaboration, excitement and equality through design. “DLA Architecture’s interior design will bring so many benefits to our company culture, our ability to collaborate, innovate and of course integrate with local businesses, organisations, and communities,” comments Kitson Keen, director of development at Home Group. “Who would want to work from home when your workspace looks like this?!” 

One Strawberry Lane – developed by Ask Real Estate and constructed by BAM – is one of only 80 buildings in the world to receive ‘SmartScore’ certification, the highest possible accreditation for modern buildings. Of the five floors, three are owned by Home Group (which was originally fit-out by Overbury) while the remaining two have been occupied by external organisations.