AstraZeneca, a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and sustainability with the recent refurbishment of its People Hub in Macclesfield. Our sixth major project at this site following the Macc Lounges, is a testament to our ongoing collaboration.
A Vision Transformed
Sustainability was a central focus in the refurbishment, where a redundant engineering building was re-modelled into a cutting-edge manufacturing support and amenities facility. Collaborating closely with AstraZeneca’s workplace team and design consultants Taylor & Martin Design, we ensured that every design decision made throughout the project was guided by environmental considerations.
The choice of materials and furniture reflects this commitment. For instance, Planq chairs were selected for their innovative use of recycled materials — crafted from old army uniform textiles. The same recycled textile used was applied to custom-made locker carcass tops, creating a cohesive design across the facility.
Flexible Workspaces and Elevated Employee Experience
The People Hub’s design emphasises flexibility and adaptability, key requirements for a modern workspace. To meet these needs, we incorporated Spacestor Verandas, Framery pods and reused Orangebox pods, which offered a versatile solution for creating meeting spaces without the need for permanent walls. This approach not only provided AstraZeneca with cost-effective options but also allowed for the flexibility required in a dynamic work environment.
Understanding that a positive employee experience is crucial to productivity and satisfaction, the People Hub was designed with amenities that elevate the everyday working life. The inclusion of biophilic elements throughout the space enhances wellbeing, while the changing room facilities, equipped with lockers for the transition from civilian clothes to scrubs, cater to the specific needs of a manufacturing environment.
User-Centric Design
Given the demands of a manufacturing support facility, the ground floor required exceptionally durable materials. Camira Halcyon fabric was selected for its ability to withstand rigorous use, offering bleach-cleanable properties and a 10-year warranty.
Task chairs were another area where user needs were prioritised. We offered a choice of three different types: the Herman Miller Cosm, Senator Ousby, and Vitra ACX, ensuring that employees could select the chair best suited to their individual preferences. The Zeph Chair from Herman Miller was selected for its design and circularity features, with an upholstered seat that is fully removable and interchangeable, crafted without glue to ensure ease of maintenance and sustainability.
A Circular Economy in Action
One of the most remarkable aspects of this project was the extent to which the principles of reuse and circularity were embraced. 100% of the desking was reused, and an impressive 36% of the total furniture was repurposed, resulting in a significant reduction in the project’s carbon footprint. In total, 43.9 tonnes of carbon were saved.
Much of the refurbished furniture came from AstraZeneca’s Cambridge site, showcasing how we were able to look across their portfolio and select products that could be seamlessly integrated into the new scheme. This included reupholstering Boss Entente units with new seat fabric and repurposing Boss Kara meeting room chairs, ensuring that existing assets were given a new lease of life. Meeting room tables were also adapted, with new tops fitted to meet current AV requirements, all sourced from FSC-certified wood.
