Designing a Dynamic Business Hub in the Heart of Norwich
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, a vital organisation supporting local businesses, sought to create a much-needed Business Hub in the heart of Norwich. This hub would offer hot desking, meeting spaces, collaboration zones and a business café, providing local entrepreneurs and companies with a flexible, professional workspace.
They approached iQ Workspace to help bring this concept to life within the prestigious Hardwick House, a Grade II listed building, while maintaining its historical charm, and this was the result…
The Brief
The Chambers tasked iQ Workspace with designing and furnishing a versatile, modern workspace within Hardwick House. The goal was to create a welcoming environment for individuals and businesses to meet, collaborate and work – whether for a few hours, a day or on a long-term basis! The workspace design needed to be both functional and aesthetically appealing, reflecting the Chambers’ high standards while catering to the needs of various users.
Work In Progress
The Challenges
One of the main challenges of the project was dealing with the building’s high ceilings and hard surfaces, which could result in excessive noise. With 36 proposed desk spaces, mitigating noise transfer was a top priority. iQ had to ensure that the space remained acoustically comfortable while preserving the historical character of Hardwick House. Additionally, it was essential to create a flexible space that accommodated different types of work while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look.
The Result
The team delivered a solution that seamlessly balanced form and function. Acoustic rafts and task lighting were suspended above the workstations to minimise noise, while soft-edged, ergonomic furniture complemented the building’s classic design. Freestanding acoustic planters, meeting pods and lockers were incorporated to enhance the space’s practicality and user experience.
The final result is a thoughtfully designed Business Hub that not only meets the needs of local businesses but also fosters collaboration, productivity and comfort in a beautiful, historic setting.
Considering a workspace design and furnish?
At iQ Workspace, we are dedicated to creating bespoke office spaces tailored to your needs. Whether you need a set of desks and chairs or a complete workspace refit, we’ll ensure everything is perfect for you and your team. Contact our friendly team today for a chat.
Project Products
Formetiq
Alto Sit/Stand Desks
Veneto Chairs
Joint Design Direction
Bob Acoustic Meeting Pod
Metalicon
Boost Desktop Power Supplies
Kardo Pole-mounted Monitor Arms
Powerlink Under-desk Power Supplies
Narbutas
Acoustic Artwork Partitions
Choice Office Storage Lockers
Parthos Acoustic Columns
Round Modular Desking System
Round Bench Desks
Pledge Chairs
Pontoon Modular Office Sofa System
Quadrifoglio
LightSound Acoustic Panels
TMC
Meeting Pod
