Halifax Headquarters

An evolving HQ that cares for staff and customers.

We worked with the society’s executive to clarify the brief, building it around HQ functions, working practices, staff relationships and equipment needs.

Our design put 4,645 sq m (50,000 sq ft) of office accommodation on the third floor — placing all staff on the same level — and document storage below ground.

We grouped all social space around the main entrance hall at ground and mezzanine levels, creating generous external covered public areas in the process.

Brief

Design a flexible and elegant HQ that:

  • allows for growth and evolving working practices
  • shows the society cares for its staff
  • provides privacy where required
  • integrates structure and services

Results

  • productive and future proof: all departments are based on a single, flexible floor
  • improved security and retrieval thanks to an automated basement document storage facility
  • repeat business with refurbishments in 1996 and 2002
  • RIBA Award for Architecture 1975, European Architectural Heritage Year Award 1975, Manchester Society of Architects Award 1997, BCO Award 2000, National Lighting Award 2000

Facts

Location: Halifax, UK
Client: Halifax plc
Construction cost: £9.2m
Completed: 1974, 1996 & 2002
Awards: 4

Integrated services

architecture, interior design, environmental engineering, structural engineering, landscape architecture, lighting

Links to images