case studies
easyJet
Location:
London Luton
Airport
Value:
£3m
Size:
50,000 sq ft
Duration:
30 weeks
Rapid expansion meant easyJet needed to consolidate its existing office premises into one office space by relocating its Head office to "Hangar 89’" in Luton which is one of the largest cantilever structures of its type in the UK. In addition to over 50,000 sq ft of office space, H89 can house three Airbus 319s/Boeing 737s at any one time.
easyJet's brief to Area Sq was to convert the 1970's hangar into an office environment reflecting the culture and ethos of the company, on a low-cost budget and challenging timescales. This was achieved by creating large open-plan areas, without a single cellular office, combined with a strong corporate identity. The outside cladding was painted orange, giving the 'low-cost' airline visibility, even from the air.
One of the key challenges for Area Sq was to ensure the fit-out project took into considerations such areas as landside/airside security and the ongoing requirements of the airside hangar maintenance operations. The internal construction works had to be coordinated with the external cladding contract to ensure the building remained water-tight during the key fit out stages.
Huw Thomas, Head of Property at easyJet says: "We appointed Area Sq on the basis that they understood the easyJet culture and were able to deliver a cost-effective solution. Consolidating our premises also means savings to the business, which ultimately will be passed on to the consumer".
