Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Armourcoat’s 2022 head-office case study shows how a workplace can be planned around the changing needs of a working day: quiet concentration, informal collaboration, meetings and reception activity are given different settings rather than forced into one open room. The redesign paired activity-based work areas with two contrasting lounges and a silver Perlata feature wall.
That is a useful design example, not proof that a decorative coating improved anyone’s health or productivity. The project description records the client’s intentions, product claims and stakeholder impressions, but it publishes no baseline, comparison group or measured employee outcomes. The practical lesson is to treat the finish as one element in a coordinated workplace brief covering usability, privacy, ergonomics, air quality, light and acoustics.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What was the Armourcoat head-office project designed to achieve?
Buildingtalk published the case study on 24 June 2022, describing the redesign of a UK headquarters for an unnamed premium automotive marque. The project covered 2,000 square metres over three floors. Its stated aim was to let people choose where to work according to the task and time of day, rather than expecting one room type to support every activity. The account is available in Buildingtalk’s Armourcoat case study.
The plan combined conventional offices, touch-down workspaces and meeting facilities with an open reception and work area on the ground floor. In practical terms, that creates a menu of settings: a person may need a more enclosed place for concentrated work, a temporary touchdown point between meetings, or a room equipped for group discussion. The case study presents this choice as a workplace-experience goal, not as a measured intervention with a quantified health result.
Popular on Amazon
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces
- Complete a wide range of applications with a high-performance motor that delivers up to 300 UWO, and an impact driver delivering up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
| Item | What the source reports |
|---|---|
| Location and client | UK head office of an unnamed premium automotive marque |
| Area | 2,000 square metres |
| Storeys | Three floors |
| Work settings | Offices, touch-down spaces, meeting facilities, reception and an open work area |
| Feature finish | Silver Perlata on a fireplace wall in the ground-floor collaboration area |
These figures and descriptions are specific to the published case. They should not be read as a current specification for every Armourcoat project or as evidence that a particular floor area or number of settings guarantees a healthy workplace.
How does activity-based planning support different kinds of work?
Activity-based planning starts with the work people need to do, then provides settings that fit those tasks. The headquarters described by Buildingtalk used offices, touchdown areas, meeting rooms and an open reception/work zone so that the environment could change with the job at hand. The approach is flexible in principle: a quiet task, a short stop between appointments and a collaborative session do not have identical spatial requirements.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoice is only useful when the settings are legible and available. A brief should therefore identify which areas are intended for focused individual work, which support conversation, and which are suitable for formal meetings. It should also state how people find and reserve those places, how long they are expected to stay, and what happens when demand exceeds supply. The case study does not publish occupancy data or a booking system, so those operational details remain for each project team to define.
The broader professional literature treats workplace wellbeing as multi-factorial. Guerin and Martin’s report, The Interior Design Profession’s Body of Knowledge and Its Relationship to People’s Health, Safety, and Welfare, discusses ergonomics, indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, natural views and privacy. Those topics explain why a layout decision should be considered alongside furniture, environmental services and acoustic treatment; they do not establish that this particular headquarters, or any one finish, caused a health improvement.
Why did the design include two different lounges?
Meda, the interior design consultant, created two lounges in the ground-floor collaboration area. One was intended for engaging with colleagues; the other offered a more discreet setting for individual work. This distinction acknowledges that “informal” space is not a single use. People may want the social energy of a shared area at one point and a quieter retreat later.
Also popular on Amazon
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
The area also included two smart screens, according to the case study. Screens can support presentations, shared information or hybrid conversations, but the article does not state their size, software, connectivity or acoustic performance. Those details would need to be specified separately if the space is to support reliable meetings.
The two lounges were separated visually by a fireplace wall finished in silver Perlata. The wall helped distinguish a public drop-in lounge from a more private zone. In this role, the coating was not a medical or ergonomic intervention; it was a finish used to give a circulation and zoning element a strong identity. A visual cue can help people understand where they are welcome, but it does not by itself provide speech privacy, sound absorption or controlled access.
What is Perlata’s role in the scheme?
Perlata was used as a feature surface rather than as a finish throughout the entire office. John Meade, Meda’s Design Director, said: “The rich finish of Perlata and the depth it brings to the wall surface are instrumental in reflecting all those aspirations in the new-look head office.” That is a design perspective: it explains why the team selected the surface to express the project’s ambitions, not why it should be expected to change employee outcomes.
The 2022 article describes Perlata as a matte basecoat with multiple pearlescent topcoat layers and reports a range of 96 colours at the time. It also says the finish was formulated to prevent mould, mildew and bacterial growth, had low VOC, resisted stains and could be scrubbed or wiped clean. These are claims reported in that case study. Current colour availability, technical specifications and independent test evidence were not verified for this article, so a present-day project should obtain the manufacturer’s current datasheet and relevant test documentation before relying on any of them.
Kim Farley, Workplace Experience Facilities Manager at Active Workplace Solutions, described the sample as the right finish for the reception and as giving an understated premium feel. That comment helps explain the reception choice, but it is a participant impression rather than a controlled assessment of durability, indoor air quality or wellbeing.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
Can a feature wall make a workplace healthier?
Not on the evidence supplied here. The case study documents an intended relationship between layout, atmosphere and workplace experience; it does not report sickness absence, stress, satisfaction, productivity, retention, air-quality readings, acoustic measurements or other health indicators before and after the work.
A finish can still matter operationally. A surface that is genuinely cleanable may support a maintenance regime, while colour, sheen and texture can help people recognise zones and give a reception area a coherent identity. But those benefits depend on verified performance, correct installation and the way the whole space is managed. “Low VOC,” for example, is a product-description term in the article, not a guarantee that a building’s indoor air is healthy; ventilation, source control and other materials also matter.
To claim that a redesign improved health or productivity, a project would need a defined outcome, a baseline, a credible comparison or time series, and a method for accounting for other changes. None of those elements is disclosed for this headquarters. The responsible conclusion is that the case illustrates design intent and specification, not causation.
How can a project team apply the case study’s planning logic?
The following process turns the example into a usable brief without treating it as a proven formula.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Map activities, not labels. List focused individual work, short touchdown tasks, collaboration, formal meetings, reception and client drop-ins. For each, record the expected duration, equipment and tolerance for interruption.
- Provide a deliberate range of settings. Decide which activities belong in enclosed offices, open touchdown areas, meeting rooms or lounge settings. Make the contrast visible so users can choose quickly.
- Design a privacy gradient. Place public or social areas where visitors can find them, then transition to quieter and more discreet settings. The case study’s public drop-in lounge and private lounge provide a clear example of this sequence.
- Coordinate furniture and technology. A lounge intended for individual work may need a suitable work surface, power and task lighting; a collaboration area may need display technology and writable surfaces. The source confirms smart screens were present, but not their specification, so these requirements must be written into the brief.
- Use feature finishes purposefully. Decide what a distinctive surface should communicate: arrival, wayfinding, a boundary or a focal point. Perlata was used on a fireplace wall to mark the change between lounge zones, rather than as a blanket solution for every wall.
- Verify technical claims before approval. Request current documentation for VOC emissions, cleaning methods, stain resistance, mould or microbial claims and colour availability. Confirm that the proposed substrate, preparation and maintenance plan match the tested system.
- Plan evaluation before occupation. If the client wants to understand whether the redesign is working, agree in advance what will be measured: for example, setting availability, user satisfaction, privacy complaints or maintenance records. A post-occupancy conversation without a baseline can describe reactions, but cannot demonstrate a causal health effect.
How should workplace options be compared?
The source does not rank office layouts or finishes. A project team can nevertheless compare options against the same decision axes used in the case: activity supported, openness and privacy, flexibility across tasks, and practical finish requirements.
Also popular on Amazon
- Toolwiz 17-inch magnetic sweeper maintaining a load capacity of up to 8.8 pounds provides a perfect solution to the problem of clearing small ferrous metal objects, such as nails, tacks, bolts, and metal shavings from workshops or garage floors.
- Convenient and portable：17” is good for home, small workshop, or small yard as it is space-saving and more reachable for narrow areas. Perfect for collecting nails or small parts in the car, under the table, and in other nooks or crannies.
- Upgraded Handle Design: The handle features a sturdy, non-telescopic design to completely prevent slipping during use. By simply adding or removing the extension poles, the height can be adjusted to 3 different lengths: 18.9" (48 cm), 32.5" (82.5 cm), and 42.5" (108 cm) from ground to top. This customizable height helps prevent back bending and muscle strain, making your cleaning tasks effortless
- Flexible wheels: Upgrade wheel screws to avoid being too tight to spin or too loose. More comfortable 3-inch rubber wheels roll smoothly on carpet, grass, concrete, and hardwood floors. Just push and pull this rolling magnet-sweeper to pick up metal nails easily.
- Lightweight materials: The magnetic nail sweeper's compact and lightweight design makes the sweeping can be done anywhere you want, Push or pull it under the furniture, passing through the workshop floor, driveway, mud, grass, and gravel.
| Setting or element | Primary use to test | Privacy and openness question | Finish and maintenance question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosed office | Focused individual work or confidential conversations | Does the enclosure provide the level of visual and acoustic discretion required? | Can the surfaces be maintained without disrupting occupants? |
| Touch-down workspace | Short, flexible tasks | Can users settle quickly without creating congestion? | Will frequent contact and cleaning be compatible with the specified materials? |
| Collaboration lounge | Engaging with colleagues and informal exchange | Is the area visibly social without spilling noise into quiet zones? | Can high-touch surfaces be cleaned using the approved method? |
| Discreet lounge | Individual work that does not require a fully enclosed office | Does the location offer a meaningful retreat from the public area? | Does the finish support the intended calm appearance and routine care? |
| Feature wall | Zoning, orientation and visual identity | Does the visual boundary clarify use without pretending to provide acoustic separation? | Are colour, sheen, stain resistance and repair procedures documented? |
This framework keeps the design conversation specific. It also prevents a visually impressive material from being asked to solve problems that belong to acoustics, ventilation, furniture ergonomics or space management.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should facilities and construction teams verify about Perlata?
Start with the current product information, because the case study’s 96-colour figure and performance descriptions date from 2022. Ask for the present colour card, system build-up, substrate requirements, application instructions, curing conditions and cleaning guidance. If mould, mildew, bacterial growth, stain resistance or scrub-cleanability is important to the brief, request the test method, rating and limitations behind each claim.
Check the finish in the actual lighting and at the intended viewing distance. A pearlescent layered surface can read differently on a large fireplace wall than on a small sample, and the reception’s lighting may not match a sample room. Record an approved reference panel and define how damage, touch-ups and colour variation will be handled after handover.
Recommended Free Tools
Finally, separate aesthetic approval from health claims. A client can approve the silver feature wall because it gives the lounge a premium identity, while the building-services and interiors teams separately verify ventilation, acoustics, lighting, ergonomics and cleaning. That division of responsibility is more defensible than treating one coating as evidence of a healthy working life.
What can this case teach without overstating the evidence?
Three lessons are transferable. First, a workplace can offer meaningful choice when settings are tied to activities and times of day. Second, social and individual work deserve different degrees of openness; the two-lounge arrangement makes that distinction tangible. Third, a decorative finish has the greatest value when its appearance and practical requirements are specified together, as the Perlata fireplace wall was used to support both identity and zoning.
Also popular on Amazon
- APPLY TO MOST DRILLS : 6 pieces screw extractors work with any drill and all the screw size or bolt (3-12mm), These extractor tools are used to reverse the damaged screw counterclockwise until it is released
- The DIY Tools for Men-Men won't know they need screw extractor set until they have one! This screw extractor set is GIFTS WRAP AVAILABLE, can be gifted to your loved ones as it reflects a fresh trend with fun and practical. Amazing and Unique tool gifts for men women. The must have stocking stuffers for men, gifts for dad, husband, father, him, guy teens, adult, Boyfriend, son on Birthdays, Christmas, Fathers Day or anniversary. Perfect Holiday Gifts Guide
- HIGH QUALITY - This damaged screw remover tool kit is made from High-Speed Steel H.S.S 4341# , which have high hardness of 63hrc, it's durable and easily to remove any damaged screws.
- EASY TO USE: Just two simple steps to get the job done - drill a hole with a cutting size using the right size screw extractor and easily remove the screw or bolt using the removal tool Hardness 63-65HRC: Titanium hardened steel material, more durable than most screw extractors on the market, better hardness and durability than others, buy with confidence and complete peace of mind
- Cool Gadgets for Men Dad Christmas Birthday Gifts for Men and Women - Men won't know they need screw extractor sets until they have one! Every screw has the potential to rust and break, which can create a situation where it cannot be removed. Owning it, there will be no anxiety about rusty screws. This screw extractor set is GIFTS WRAP AVAILABLE, can be gifted to your loved ones as it reflects a fresh trend with fun and practical. Amazing and unique tool gifts for men women. A must have stocking stuffer for men on birthdays, Christmas, Father's Day or anniversaries, a gifts for dads, husbands, fathers, him, adults, boyfriends, sons. The best and most practical and surprising Christmas gifts
The boundary is equally important. The published project gives no measured employee-health, wellbeing or productivity result, and no independent verification of the product claims. It is best read as a product-led design case study: a record of a 2,000-square-metre, three-floor workplace brief, the spatial choices made to support varied work and the stakeholder reasoning behind one prominent finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is activity-based working the same as an open-plan office?
No. Activity-based working can include open areas, enclosed offices, meeting rooms and lounges, with each setting assigned to a different task. An open-plan office may provide only one dominant environment, even if desks can be rearranged.
Does a low-VOC decorative coating guarantee good indoor air quality?
No. The case study reports low VOC as a Perlata product attribute, but indoor air quality also depends on ventilation, other materials, cleaning products and building operation. Treat the claim as one item to verify in the current technical documentation.
Are 96 Perlata colours still available?
The 96-colour range is the figure reported in the 2022 case study. Because the current range was not verified, request an up-to-date colour card before approving a specification.
What evidence would show that an office redesign improved wellbeing?
A credible evaluation would define outcomes in advance, collect a baseline and use a comparison or repeated-measures approach where practical. User comments alone can reveal perceptions and preferences, but they cannot establish that a finish caused better health or productivity.
Can a feature wall replace acoustic or privacy treatment?
No. In this project the fireplace wall helped visually separate a public lounge from a discreet area. Visual zoning does not provide the sound absorption, speech privacy or access control that may be needed for confidential or concentration-heavy work.
