F5

The brief was to create a flagship workplace that could support F5’s people, clients and partners across the region. The space needed to balance high-performing workplace design with a more human, grounded experience: a place for focused work, collaboration, client engagement, training, events and connection.

For F5, the move to Addlestone marked the opening of a new EMEA headquarters and a continued investment in its regional operations. The new workplace needed to support more than 150 employees – known internally as F5ers – giving them a flexible base for focused work, collaboration, client engagement, training, events and connection.

The project also included workplace change management support, delivered with 360 Workplace, to help F5’s teams understand, prepare for and adopt their new ways of working.

Our design concept was rooted in “Nature’s Network” – an idea inspired by the green spaces, waterways, fields and landscapes surrounding Bourne Business Park.

Rather than taking a literal approach to the local area, the design team looked at the natural networks around Addlestone and used them as a way to express F5’s own network of people, technology and ideas. This created a clear narrative for the workplace, linking the natural world with digital infrastructure to create a calm, connected and future-facing environment.

Because Area had already delivered the redevelopment of Building 100, the project team had a deep understanding of the building’s structure, services and sustainability strategy. This helped shape a fit-out approach that worked with the existing asset, protecting base-build performance while creating a workplace tailored to F5’s people, culture and technology needs.

Building 100’s own story set a strong foundation. The redevelopment had already achieved BREEAM Excellent and a 5.5 NABERS UK Design for Performance rating, alongside recognition from leading property, sustainability and construction industry awards. For F5, Area’s role was to build on that performance and create a workplace experience that matched the ambition of the building.

On the ground floor, we created a strong arrival experience with a flexible reception and event space that can adapt throughout the day. This area supports both visitors and F5ers, with a concierge-style welcome, collaborative innovation hub, meeting spaces and refreshment points. Carefully framed views into the workplace create a sense of openness, while maintaining privacy for teams working above.

Across the upper floors, workstations are positioned around the perimeter to maximise natural light and views. Meeting, focus and quiet spaces are located within central pod structures, responding to the building’s existing services and ceiling constraints. This approach reduced intrusive works, helped retain existing infrastructure and created greater flexibility for F5 in the future.

The workplace includes a mix of open-plan desking, agile work settings, meeting rooms, focus rooms, quiet zones, collaboration lounges, breakout areas, tea points, IT support spaces and event settings. Each floor has been designed to give F5ers more choice in how and where they work.

A key part of the project was the integration of art and storytelling. Digital installations, layered materials, 3D elements, lighting and nature-inspired compositions create a red thread across the workplace. These moments bring F5’s brand to life in a subtle and immersive way, turning circulation areas, collaboration spaces and touchpoints into part of a wider workplace experience.

The design also draws on a renewed appreciation of British craft, using tactile materials, visible joinery and crafted details to bring warmth and depth to the space. This sits alongside digital tools and integrated technology, creating a workplace that feels both intelligent and personal.

Technology was embedded throughout the project, supported by Area’s in-house workplace technology capability. We coordinated the infrastructure needed to support F5’s connected workplace, including structured cabling, WiFi coverage, testing and certification, alongside the integration of specialist lighting and digital components.

Sustainability was considered through both the building and the fit-out, aligning with Area’s wider sustainability approach and Project Positive commitments. As part of the F5 works, Area managed site waste through a structured waste management process, with segregation, monitoring and reporting in place throughout the project. This approach saw 98.6% of project waste recycled or diverted from landfill, exceeding the 98% project waste recycling target.

Area and F5 also extended the impact of the project beyond the workplace, supporting a Mini Medics programme at The Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Addlestone, providing first aid training to more than 120 pupils.

F5’s new Addlestone workplace creates a strong sense of place, purpose and identity.

By combining technology, craft and nature-inspired design, Area delivered a workplace that supports how F5ers work today while giving the business the adaptability it needs for the future.

The project connects the award-winning performance of Building 100 with the needs of a global technology business, creating a headquarters that is sustainable, flexible and people-first. From arrival and client experience to focused work, collaboration, training and events, the space gives F5 a regional home designed around its people, culture and next stage of growth.