Highways England

Client overview:

Highways England relocated to a regional office in Calder Park, Wakefield, to create a modern, employee-focused workspace. This two-storey building supports the organisation’s commitment to well-being, creativity, and collaboration, and aims to meet high standards for employee health and productivity.

The brief

Highways England wanted a workspace that reflected their commitment to well-being and collaboration, aligning with WELL standards. The brief required biophilic elements to improve air quality and reduce stress, along with flexible workspaces and branded design elements to support diverse working styles.

What we did

We installed a variety of plant features throughout the office to meet the biophilic design goals. Top-of-locker planters were filled with realistic replica plants, including Ivy, Scindapsus, and Aglaonema, offering low-maintenance greenery. In customer-supplied trough planters, we used Sansevieria Laurentii for a clean, modern look. Floor-standing planters with Strelitzia Nicolai, Philodendron Congo, and Aglaonema added height and drama to the ground and first floors. Additionally, trellis systems were integrated throughout the office with Tetrastigma and realistic replica plants, providing a structured visual break in open areas while contributing to privacy and an airy atmosphere. These trellises were used strategically in high-traffic zones and collaboration areas to enhance the feeling of nature without the maintenance needs of live plants.

Outcome and feedback:

The final office design successfully supported Highways England’s objectives for a WELL-certified space, creating a functional, well-being-focused environment. The biophilic design contributed to an inviting and stimulating workspace, and the combination of real and replica plants ensured visual impact with minimal upkeep. Feedback from the organisation indicated that the new office fostered a sense of well-being and productivity, aligning with their overall goals.