McAfee's brief was to design an uncompromising, contemporary high end scheme reflecting their strong brand identity and showcasing cutting edge technology. Despite the project providing multiple challenges and significant scope of works totalling £5.7m, the client set a timescale of just nine weeks.
The building comprises of two floors, each of 8,000 sq ft, was stripped to core. The first floor required a flexible staff environment including offices, meeting rooms, informal meeting spaces and break-out facilities. Central to the ground floor was the first Executive Briefing Centre (EBC) in Europe, entirely controllable from a wireless Crestron panel which enables McAfee to showcase and demonstrate their software products to clients and senior EMEA executives.
The main feature of the EBC is a centre show piece cantilevered bespoke Corian and glass collaboration table with extensive PQ multi-touch screens to enable guest users to interact with bespoke software anywhere on the screen. The collaborative table features Holosonic ultra-directional speakers to direct sound to each individual station.
The EBC also includes a "War Room" for virus destruction and a "Global Threat Wall" for clients to assess their website security level. Within the EBC, a TelePresence room complete with video conferencing system allows live meetings with the U.S. office by mirroring the design of McAfee's Santa Clara meeting room through a virtual table.
Heating and cooling within the EBC was housed within the plastered ceiling through the installation of a radiant climate operating system using micro-bore copper pipe work and water which negated the need for access panels and HVAC equipment.
McAfee's brand identity was integrated in the design through the use of white materials as a backdrop including high gloss panelling and Corian complemented by pockets of red and Figured Anigre Veneer within key design features.
The 26-chair boardroom located on the ground floor features a state-of-the-art audio visual installation, bespoke Corian tables with in-built microphones and Interstuhl red leather "Silver" range of chairs, giving a professional, crisp and elegant environment.
James Geekie, Senior Designer at Area Sq comments: "The scheme has been designed to emphasise the state-of-the-art technology used within the space and make a real statement. We have developed an excellent relationship with McAfee through the numerous fit-out projects undertaken across Europe, enabling us to work faster and deliver an uncompromising design solution".
Steve Warner, EMEA Real Estate Manager at McAfee enthuses: "Area Sq has created a stunning environment where we are proud to take our clients. The Area Sq team was extremely efficient and did an incredible job in delivering a sixteen weeks program in an occupied building in just nine weeks without compromising on quality."
