Westcotec (Unit 34) – Office Refurbishment, Dereham Norfolk
Westcotec are proud to employ enthusiastic, dedicated and forward-thinking individuals to continually grow their product range and challenge industry limits. They deal in a wide range of road safety products perhaps their best known product is the speed warning signs but their product range is heavy varied and mainly based on a preventative measure.
Back in 2021 we started having meetings with Chris and his team at Westcotec as they were looking at not only improving their existing facilities for their staff but also expand to the next door unit. It was quite early on where it was clear they shared our employee emphasis.
After initial discussions and a site survey, we came up with an all in turnkey office refurbishment solution which utilised the space and also worked within their budget. This included a full in depth quotation, 2D design plan, 3D walkthrough accompanied with photo realistic render of how we envisaged the area looking once completed and sample boards so they could see the colour palette and finishes we were suggesting. This then included adding the next door unit within the design plan.
Upon completion of the other unit where the build team moved into the sights were set on refurbishing this unit. But this was split into two phases allowing the office team to stay in their existing offices at the front of the building while their new office suite was built at the back section of the building where the build team used to be situated.
This allowed us to refurbish the back half without causing any disruption to the day to day running of the business of Westcotec.
A strip out was first started, isolating the old electrical layout to allow a full strip of the original area to give us a blank canvas to work from. This allowed the new office layout to be marked out on the floor and the client invited in the view the potential size of the private offices and make any changes if they were required. New partition walls were then built to form an open plan office area, private offices and meeting rooms. This set our locations for new windows to be cut into the external walls of the building and fully flashed out to provide natural light within the area as well as ventilation to occupied office spaces. This included editing some of the existing windows and door locations to best suit the design. The partition walls we included for some larger window modules with inset blinds to allow for light and vision across each office but with the ability to close the inset blinds for privacy.
A new electrical and data installation was carried out to not only future proof the area but also tidy up the server location for the client.
New suspended ceilings were fitted and flooring with a inset design to suit westcotec’s main colour palette.
New office furniture was also implemented picking up some of the key colours from the westcotec palette.
Once this back area was complete the office staff moved over to the back freeing up the front area to now be refurbished. This section included refurbing the existing main office and welfare area and transforming this into a welcoming area, boardroom, canteen and welfare area with new toilets including a new accessible toilet.
A full strip out and demolition was undertaken, this included taking out some existing block walls to open up the area and create an opening to connect the front and back office area.
New external windows were added to the front elevation of the building centralising the larger window within the new meeting room.
New partition walls were installed, new flooring and suspended ceilings to match the rear in design.
But the key features in the front half were the custom AV wall, digital image wall within the welcoming area which allowed for the client to display their product. The new infra red ceiling mount panel heaters used in some locations and the infrared mirror heaters used in the toilets was an innovative feature ensuring added comfort for employees.
This part included a full refurbishment of their office toilets turning them into a modern space.
We refurbished the warehouse area while completing this last phase painting the floor and installing a new staircase and safety palette gate leading up to the existing mezzanine floor.
We also undertook some building maintainence repairs in line with the existing guttering and changing all the roof lights while we were on site.
We completed this to budget and on time and went back a month later to be part of Westcotec’s grand opening showing clients, friends and family around. We were very happy to be able to give Chris, Richard, Dave, Olly and the rest of the team a refurbished home to feel proud of and create a great relationship with them.
