Biarri networksOffice Fitout
Cost Reductions
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On their website, the team at Biarri Networks describe themselves as “innovative and creative, mathematicians, software devs, engineers and domain experts who love to solve complex problems.” While they may love to solve problems, there was one problem they couldn’t solve on their own...
Suzanne Hutchinson of Biarri Networks explains: “We are going through rapid growth and ran out space to both collaborate in groups and have time alone to think quietly.” We were happy to work with them to solve this very common problem.
The Brief
The aim was to ensure the upgraded space solved the space issues while also reflecting the young and innovative company culture. Fun and informal private and collaborative spaces were a must along with improved acoustics.
On top of the usual budget constraints, ongoing growth at Biarri Networks means a move in the next couple of years is likely – so it made sense for the majority of the spend to include re-locatable items.
Research and Collaboration the key to meeting this brief
Effort invested in researching design and layout is never wasted. For this project, we first investigated the company and the way staff work. The office operated mostly on open plan, with workers enjoying the casual nature of the office. However, staff were also finding it difficult to concentrate, with lots of noise and visual distractions.
The solution? Mapping out the new layout by task and acoustics, with staff selecting their work point to match their task (also known as agile working).
3 days to deliver
To ensure the team at Biarri Networks weren’t held back from their love of solving complex problems for too long, we delivered the project over a Friday and weekend. Staff packed up on the prior Thursday evening and, with no disruption to IT services, continued to work from home on the Friday.
Here’s what we delivered:
Cost reductions and sustainability The bones and best sections of the fitout stayed – things like partitions, wet areas and base-building finishes (polished concrete, ceiling tiles and air-conditioning). Unwanted items were re-purposed by giving away to staff or free-cycling.
Re-locatable items All fitout additions can be re-used if a move takes place.
Company culture Picnic tables for meetings, Biarri beer boxes for room dividers, a hoodlum concept for private Skype or mobile calls, and feature lighting create a young, fun feel.
Better acoustics Softer finishes and other acoustic solutions balance against harder base building finishes from the polished concrete floors, high ceiling tiles and plaster walls.
A few extras We also managed to squeeze in data, power and workstation upgrades along with improved natural lighting, a repaint and bike parking.
“No more begging for meeting space or kicking people out of meeting rooms for the next meeting. There’s less interruption to concentration because there’s less disruptive noise from incidental meetings taking places at work desks.” - Suzanne, Office Manager, Biarri
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