Octopus Energy
[ OVERVIEW ]Our team delivered a 65,000 sq. ft. Cat A and Cat B fit-out across five floors of a new Coventry headquarters, working under a JCT Design & Build contract with Maris Interiors as the main contractor. The goal was to create a versatile, technology-enabled workplace that could welcome staff early while construction continued on later phases.
Key features included an interconnecting staircase, fully integrated AV systems, and an auditorium designed for presentations and cultural events such as “family dinners.” Throughout the building, multi-use collaboration spaces and breakout areas provide flexibility and encourage teamwork.
Era played a central role in coordinating multiple stakeholders, ensuring that design intent, construction progress, and client requirements remained aligned. The result is a connected, future-ready headquarters that supports growth, communication, and a thriving workplace culture.
Project Details
Duration
4 Months, 13 Weeks
Size
65,000 sq ft
Jan 25 - Apr 25
Start to completion
[ HIGHLIGHTS ]World class project in the heart of the Coventry
Phased Delivery to Support Early Occupation
To meet the client’s operational schedule, the project was strategically divided into three construction phases, enabling the organisation to move into completed floors while subsequent levels were still being fitted out. This approach minimised downtime and allowed teams to begin working from the building earlier than would be possible with a traditional, single-stage delivery.
Our project team provided meticulous sequencing, stakeholder communication, and programme planning to ensure each phase reached completion smoothly. The client benefitted from an accelerated return on their workplace investment, with staff able to settle into finished floors ahead of full project completion.
Creating Connection Through Vertical Design
A standout architectural feature of the headquarters is the installation of an interconnecting staircase running through key floors. Beyond its visual impact, the staircase plays a strategic role in the flow of the building, encouraging movement, interaction, and cross-team visibility.
By linking floors physically and socially, the staircase enhances communication and helps break down operational silos—supporting the client’s wider ambition to nurture a more connected and collaborative workforce.
Flexible Collaboration Spaces Across All Levels
Across all five floors, the workplace incorporates a curated blend of multi-use collaboration areas, adaptable breakout zones, and open project spaces. These environments support focused work, informal meetings, and team-based activities.
The flexible layout ensures the organisation can adapt to shifting team sizes, evolving project needs, and future workplace strategies. Every space was designed with the end-user in mind, supporting comfort, interaction, and productivity.
Coordinating a Complex Team of Stakeholders
As part of our project management role, Era provided vital coordination between multiple stakeholders, including designers, contractors, client teams, technology partners, and specialist suppliers.
This ensured a unified delivery process where design intent, quality standards, and client objectives remained aligned throughout the project’s timeline.
By maintaining clear communication and strong governance, we ensured the client received a workspace delivered on time, within the programme, and aligned with their operational and cultural goals.
AV Integration for a Technology-Led Workplace
Technology was a critical component of the brief. Working closely with specialist partners, we oversaw the implementation of an extensive AV system designed to support modern business operations, hybrid working, and global communication.
One of the most notable spaces created is the auditorium, designed not only for formal presentations but also for the client’s signature “family dinners”—large gatherings that celebrate culture and community.
Integrated audio-visual solutions ensure the auditorium can support livestreaming, hybrid events, and large-scale presentations with ease. This technology-driven design empowers the client to communicate more effectively both internally and externally, strengthening brand presence and cultural cohesion.
The finished Coventry headquarters delivers a modern, connected, and culture-driven workplace that reflects the organisation’s identity and ambitions.
The combination of phased delivery, integrated technology, flexible collaboration zones, and bold architectural features has resulted in a future-proof environment designed to support growth, communication, and long-term business success.
