JRA uses sustainable Swedish design at Skanska UK’s HQ

Images: Peter Cook

Construction and development firm, Skanska, appointed John Robertson Architects (JRA) to design a four-storey 6,000 sqm head office in Hertfordshire. Starting in 2021, the work has now been completed resulting in a ‘futureproof’ central office for workers with strong influence of Swedish design.  

Featuring multiple collaboration and agile working spaces, JRA used the hybrid working approach as the basis of Skanska’s office design. “As a practice with a strong focus on retrofitting legacy commercial assets, we’re pleased to be able to bring forward this progressive workspace,” comments Festus Moffatt, Director at JRA. 

A leader in sustainable construction, Skanska wanted an office space that offered significant carbon reductions. To achieve this 80% of the floor finishes have been reused as well as 30% of the furniture. Natural oak relays much of the firm’s branding; present on all four floors of the HQ, the material has been formed into wall decorations, room partitioning and storage cabinets and complemented with green and earthy tones. Running planters, freestanding pots, and isolated tree benches are among the biophilic features accentuated by natural light. 

Made from oak and ultra-high performing cement-free concrete, Skanska’s new reception desk is a centrepiece and nods to the iconic concrete structures assembled by Italian engineer and architect, Pier Luigi Nervi in the late 1950s. Accompanied with Scandinavian furniture and backlit branding, the reception space also references one of the biggest revolutions in the history of engineering: the humble arch. 

JRA’s design encompasses a range of ‘home zones’ or ‘neighbourhoods’ across the building, engineered to meet the needs of each team. These zones are supplemented by a rich mix of agile and collaborative spaces including around 50 meeting rooms, collaboration centres, and training areas. “The huge range of spaces, meeting rooms, studios and large collaboration hubs support our focus on inclusion, creativity, learning, and sharing,” adds says Harvey Francis, Skanska UK’s Executive Vice President.