Zurich Insurance Group’s dedication to sustainability and innovative workplace design is vividly reflected in its new UK headquarters, Unity Place, located in Swindon. We worked closely with Zurich and MATT Architecture to bring their vision to life, creating a workspace that not only aligns with modern office trends but also sets new standards in environmental responsibility and employee well-being.
A Sustainable Commitment
Unity Place, Zurich’s latest headquarters, stands as a testament to the company’s bold ambition to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world. As the anchor project in the Swindon Kimmerfields development, the building was designed with a clear focus on sustainability. The goal was not only to achieve a BREEAM “Excellent” rating—a rigorous environmental assessment that ranks buildings among the top 10% in the UK—but also to ensure that the building would minimise waste during construction and operate efficiently throughout its lifespan.
From electric car charging points and a bicycle storage and repair centre to energy-efficient LED lighting, Unity Place incorporates a variety of sustainable features. The building is powered entirely by renewable electricity, underscoring Zurich’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. To further enhance its sustainability credentials, Unity Place also features 100,000 honeybees housed in a purpose-built enclosure on the roof terrace, with the honey produced by the bees being sold to support local charities through the Zurich Community Trust.
Designing with Purpose
Zurich Insurance has been a key presence in Swindon for over 30 years, and when the time came to consider a new home, it was important that the new space not only maintained its presence but also reflected a shift towards a more modern, employee-centric workplace. This vision led to a departure from traditional office designs, embracing a fresher, industrial aesthetic that draws inspiration from Swindon’s rich rail-building history. Dark metals, exposed steel, and visible services create a backdrop that is softened by sustainable, natural materials and biophilic elements, which include extensive planting throughout the office and on the roof terrace.
The focus on employee well-being was paramount. Unity Place’s design emphasises light and bright spaces, creating an environment that is not only functional but also uplifting. The inclusion of biophilic elements throughout the building further enhances this by bringing nature into the workspace, contributing to a sense of calm and connection to the natural world.
Delivering Sustainable Furniture Solutions
Our involvement began with a competitive bid process, where we stood out by providing a test bed of highly sustainable furniture for a three-month trial. This included a range of task furniture, breakout furniture, and pods—all sourced from UK manufacturers to minimise carbon footprint. To ensure the furniture not only met Zurich’s sustainability goals but also aligned with its aesthetic vision, we proposed UK-made alternatives that offered superior value and sustainability. For example, the use of Oceanic fabric—crafted from recycled ocean plastics—demonstrated our commitment to innovative, eco-friendly solutions.
Biophilic Design
A standout feature of this project is the incorporation of two striking 20-foot trees in the reception areas, which serve as focal points of the design. In the main lobby, a custom ‘tree bar’ was created, where Davison Highley benches were strategically placed to complement the natural greens and browns of the tree, creating a seamless blend between the furniture and the organic elements. The second tree is elegantly framed by the 360 planter bench Boulevard, also by Davison Highley, which skilfully integrates the tree’s natural lines into the functional design of the space. These design choices not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also create a harmonious connection between nature and the built environment.
Unity Place is more than just an office building; it is a beacon of what the future of workspaces can be—sustainable, employee-centric, and rooted in the community. At Tsunami Axis, we are proud to have played a key role in bringing this vision to life.
