Aldermore Workplace

Location

Reading

Status

Completed 2024

Sector

Commercial

Client

Aldermore

Set within the vibrant tech hub of Reading, Aldermore’s new office at Apex Plaza marks the next chapter in their growth journey. This contemporary workplace is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, reflecting Aldermore’s commitment to challenging traditional banking norms and embracing forward-thinking solutions.

Following the success of our first project with Aldermore at Broadgate Tower, we worked closely with their team to develop a space that not only supports their operational needs but also embodies their dynamic ethos. As commercial interior designers, our aim was to create an environment that inspires creativity, connection, and growth while honouring Aldermore’s African heritage and commitment to community.

Located in a prominent position at Apex Plaza, this project reinforces Reading’s reputation as a centre for technological innovation. Tailored to the needs of a tech-driven workforce, the design sets a new benchmark for modern, flexible workspaces.

Modern office reception area with white reception desk, potted plants, and seating area by large windows showing a city view.

To cater to Aldermore’s diverse working styles, we developed an array of environments that balance collaboration, focused work, and wellness. These environments include open collaboration areas, focused work zones, and thoughtfully designed wellness spaces, ensuring the office can evolve alongside Aldermore’s growing teams and shifting priorities.

Inspired by Aldermore’s African heritage and Reading’s vibrant local culture, the design integrates influences from Cape Town’s landscapes and the energy of a global tech city. Material choices, colour palettes, and textures reflect this connection, creating a workplace that celebrates both heritage and modernity.

An indoor lounge area with large windows, a beige sectional sofa, various indoor plants, a white armchair, wooden tables, and a built-in shelving unit with potted plants. Ceiling lights are mounted on a gold-colored ceiling feature.

The reception area, inspired by the striking natural beauty of Table Mountain, creates a stunning first impression. Executive meeting rooms, influenced by Cape Town’s Central Business District, blend earthy tones with modern, high-tech finishes to provide a refined environment for key discussions.

Breakout spaces, modelled on False Bay’s relaxed coastline, foster creativity, brainstorming, and teamwork. The interplay of soft, tactile materials and calming hues evokes the tranquillity of the shoreline while supporting dynamic collaboration.

Quiet zones, inspired by the serene residential feel of Constantia’s suburbs, incorporate ergonomic furniture, ample natural light, and calming green tones. These elements create a productive atmosphere for focused tasks.

Wellness spaces, including a lounge, a returning parent room, and a multi-faith room, draw inspiration from Cape Town’s botanical gardens. Organic shapes, natural materials, and biophilic design foster relaxation and rejuvenation.

Modern coworking space with a long white table, black chairs, hanging plants, large windows, and a distinctive ceiling design.
Modern office lounge area with grey seating, wooden coffee table, potted plants, and decorative lamps, featuring a circular ceiling light and wooden partition.
Modern indoor seating area with two people sitting in a booth, a large potted plant, and a digital screen in the background.

Sustainability and employee well-being were integral to the design process. By incorporating energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and biophilic elements such as greenery and natural light, we created a workplace that promotes health, happiness, and environmental responsibility. The design aligns with Aldermore’s values of care, trust, and innovation, reflecting their ethos throughout the space.

Modern conference room with round wooden table, six salmon-colored swivel chairs, a large flat-screen TV mounted on an orange feature wall, a potted plant, a tablet on the table, and large windows with blinds letting in natural light.
Modern conference room with a long wooden table surrounded by beige upholstered chairs, large windows on the right, a wall-mounted digital screen at the far end, and ceiling-mounted speakers.

The design concept reflects Aldermore’s core values: curiosity, boldness, courage, care, trust, difference, and belief. These values are expressed through several thematic threads.

Reception and meeting spaces evoke the juxtaposition of raw natural textures and sophisticated modernity, inspired by Table Mountain and Cape Town’s Central Business District. Feature lighting and natural forms create a professional yet striking aesthetic.

Collaboration zones draw on the calming blue hues and organic furniture of False Bay’s coastline, encouraging innovation and connection. Focused work areas are designed with the lush greenery and natural light reminiscent of Constantia’s vineyards, creating serene and productive spaces. Finally, wellness areas emphasise biophilic elements, using earthy tones and organic shapes to foster relaxation and well-being, inspired by Cape Town’s botanical gardens.

Modern office kitchen area with wooden and blue cabinetry, green tiled backsplash, and a built-in sink. In the background, there is a lounge area with seating and a large LED screen on the wall. The space is decorated with potted plants and features a wooden floor and ceiling panels.
A modern conference room with a large digital screen displaying an interface, a woman sitting at a table with a laptop, and a man standing and pointing at the screen. The room has light wood flooring, blue chairs, large green plants, and ceiling lighting with a wavy pattern.

Spanning 18,000 square feet, Aldermore’s Apex Plaza office is a bold, innovative space that embodies their values and adapts to their evolving needs. As commercial interior designers, we are proud to have partnered with Aldermore to deliver a workplace that inspires collaboration, supports growth, and reflects their vision for the future.

Aldermore’s new office at Apex Plaza, Reading, is a dynamic and forward-thinking workplace that reflects their commitment to growth, innovation, and inclusivity. This commercial office combines flexibility, sustainability, and inspiration to support a tech-driven workforce. By blending global influences with local culture, we have created an environment that fosters collaboration, well-being, and creativity, setting a benchmark for modern office design.

This is the second project SpaceInvader has worked on with Aldermore, following our successful collaboration at Broadgate Tower. Read more about Aldermore Tower Bridge London here.