The team at Foursquare Workspace have built a strong relationship with Imperial Car Supermarkets over the years. Having previously worked on their 14 showrooms across the UK, we were delighted when the Directors approached us to discuss plans for their new two-storey, 16,000 sq ft Head Office in the Botleigh Grange Campus in Hedge End – our most exciting project to date!

Plan

With a large and growing team, our focus was on creating a modern and practical workspace that would comfortably accommodate Imperial Car Supermarkets for years to come. We met with the Directors to discuss their requirements and ideas, of which included:

• An orange and purple colour scheme to reflect their branding and company identity

• Ergonomic workspaces

• Various breakout and recreational areas

Due to the size of the project, our design team drew up extensive plans to give them an idea of the layout and allow them to make any changes as and when desired.

Reception

Imperial Car Supermarkets wanted to keep the bright, open feel of the current reception area, but enhance the welcoming atmosphere. To achieve this, we added a range of soft seating and a large reception desk, complete with a sign-in tablet.

The windows are one of the key features in this area, so we added subtle manifestations to the glass that are consistent with other areas of the building.

Look up when walking through the doors and you’ll notice an impressive hanging light feature which adds a unique flair to the space.

Main Office Area

In the main office area, we set up over 85 workstations with dual screens, wireless keyboards and mice and comfortable operator seating. A number of desk areas were also fitted with pedestals, CPU holders and cable management features. The layout is such that it creates an optimal working environment for the large office. The bulk of the furniture was provided by our sister company Office Furniture and Interiors’ exclusive Workpro range.

Our team added blinds to all windows and the space has been finished with brand new Burmatex carpet tiles.

Meeting Rooms

With meeting rooms of various capacities throughout the building, we wanted to create a consistent and sleek style that could be reflected in each. In all of the rooms, a centrepiece table has been added and combined with new meeting chairs, along with large tv screens and glass whiteboards that match their corporate colours in the flooring.

On the tech side, the team have installed tablets to help meetings run smoothly and have also set up pairing software to allow remote communication, provided by Zoom Room Systems.

To finish off, each room has bespoke glass manifestations for added privacy.

Boardroom

Upstairs, in the boardroom, most of the features are similar to those in the meeting rooms. Glass manifestations add to the consistent style and purple flooring has been matched to the glass whiteboards on the walls.

The most imposing aspect of the room is the boardroom table. Imperial Car Supermarkets were looking for a contemporary solution that accommodated large meetings, which led to us designing this design which has space for over 30 people seated.

Breakout Area and Kitchen

As one of the standout areas of the building, Imperial Car Supermarkets required a bright and open communal space that would bring employees together. To achieve this, it was decided that recreational and breakout features would be combined.

Soft seating and coffee tables were selected for comfort, along with long benches where staff can sit together and eat. To create a leisurely, informal atmosphere, we’ve added table football, table tennis and a pool table, as well as brand new food and drink vending machines.

The kitchen area comes complete modern appliances including a coffee machine, fridges, microwaves, a cooker and sink. The island has been paired with high gloss bar stools that, like the entire space, have been selected and designed to bring Imperial Car Supermarkets’ corporate branding to life.

On the ground, we fitted distinctive LVT flooring from Tarkett that reflects purple in the light. This was paired with an orange wallpaper of the same design as the glass manifestations used elsewhere.

Gym

With employee-wellbeing an important aspect for a growing company, we installed a high spec state-of-the-art gym.

Expansive mirrors were installed on the walls and rubber floor tiles were chosen for a soft ground for users.

In terms of fitness apparatus, we sourced top-of-the-range equipment from Life Fitness. This included treadmills, weights equipment, a rowing machine, exercise bikes and more to ensure all uses were catered for.

Exterior

The Foursquare Workspace team organised for new signage to be installed to the exterior of the building, including new lettering and an eye-catching large sign just outside.

Prior to the Imperial Car Supermarkets team moving in, all windows were professionally cleaned and the car park was thoroughly jet-washed.

Finishing

The extensive work carried out on Imperial House has created a contemporary and practical space that will be home to the team for many years to come. The entire design has been considered with the company’s branding in mind, creating a space that perfectly encapsulates what the Directors envisioned.

High quality modern facilities provide a comfortable, enjoyable and efficient place to work and have been incredibly well-received by the team.