Allianz

Allianz appointed Area to deliver the design and build of its new Chelmsford workplace on the third floor of Regent House. The brief was to create a contemporary and practical environment that would support the different ways its teams work, while providing a strong experience for employees, brokers and visiting clients.

The workplace needed to accommodate a large open-plan team alongside a broad mix of meeting, collaboration and social spaces. Area’s scope covered the full CAT B fit out, including architectural refurbishment, bespoke joinery, furniture, workplace technology and significant upgrades to the mechanical and electrical infrastructure.

Following an initial review of the proposed layout, Area identified opportunities to use the floorplate more effectively. The original communications room was larger than required, while the main breakout area was too small for the number of employees and positioned too close to the entrance. Reworking these elements allowed the social space to move closer to the main workplace, creating a better connection between focused work, collaboration and time away from the desk.

The design draws on Allianz’s wider workplace identity, adapted to suit the character and scale of its Chelmsford team. The result is professional and recognisably Allianz, but with a warmer and more relaxed feel.

Deep navy and warm clay tones are balanced with pale timber, soft neutral finishes and planting. Bespoke joinery, feature flooring and ceiling details introduce moments of interest across the floor, while integrated branding creates a clear sense of arrival without competing with the landlord’s reception and common areas.

Acoustic treatments have been incorporated within meeting rooms, collaboration areas and busier shared spaces to support privacy and comfort. Selective exposed and feature ceilings add openness and character, helping different workplace settings feel distinct while remaining part of one consistent design.

Technology was considered as part of the workplace rather than added at the end. Area coordinated audiovisual equipment, screens, data infrastructure and power across meeting rooms, collaboration areas and social settings, creating a workplace that supports both in-person and hybrid activity.

The new workplace provides employees with a broad range of settings beyond the traditional desk. Alongside the open-plan work area, the floor includes individual focus rooms, meeting rooms for small and large groups, collaboration zones, meeting pods and a large boardroom.

A client-facing business lounge provides an informal setting for brokers, visitors and colleagues to meet, work or connect. Lounge furniture, planting and feature lighting create a softer, hospitality-led environment, with technology integrated to support presentations and hybrid meetings.

Two teapoints and breakout spaces sit closer to the main work neighbourhoods, making them a natural part of the working day. A mix of dining tables, high benches and informal seating allows the spaces to support lunch, short meetings and team conversations. A dedicated wellness room provides a quieter place to step away, rest or reset.

The sustainability strategy focused on retaining suitable existing materials and reducing the impact of the new fit out. Existing ceiling components and carpet tiles were reviewed for reuse, while new specifications considered responsible timber sourcing, recycled content and low or no-VOC finishes to support indoor air quality.