The UK’s biggest opticians Specsavers has focussed on a novel approach to create an “inspiring” workplace at its Nottingham offices. Even its ventilation reflects the brand and company activity.
Britain’s leading independent air movement specialist Gilberts Blackpool came up with the idea, optimising its capability to produce bespoke diffuser face plates for its innovative GA swirl.
Gilberts’ technical team drew its inspiration from the iconic letter charts used in eye tests, creating an eye-catching perforated design in the face plate. Using its in-house test laboratory and air movement modelling software, Gilberts was able to validate the diffuser performance to ensure the quality and quantity of air circulation complied with requirements.
The swirls have been installed throughout the refurbished areas at Specsavers’ Nottingham support offices. The design ethos for the revamped 44,00sq ft premises was to create an inspiring workplace for support office colleagues.
Gilberts’ Commercial sales manager Martin Malyon, who was instrumental in the project, explained,
“Our GA swirl looks completely different to anything else on the market, even before the face plate is personalised. The plate sits in front of a unique radial pattern air distribution impeller core which can be altered to achieve numerous swirl patterns depending on the space layout and occupancy below. It creates real visual impact that’s out of the ordinary and unlike anything else available.
“The project team was originally looking at our standard face plate design but loved the concept when we suggested a bespoke option. Our R&D team loved the challenge and quickly spotted how to bring relevance and fun to the design.”
Added Hayley Morgan, Specsavers Head of Facilities Management,
“The end result is spectacular. The diffusers are already becoming the talking point for visitors to the building.”
Gilberts’ swirl diffusers are already the ‘go to’ choice for many major brands; they have been used in, among other projects, Uber’s European Centre of Excellence, Primark’s biggest UK store, Manchester Airport and Virgin’s first UK hotel. The unique GA diffuser and the option for bespoke designs further enhances its desirability and offers clients an even more specialised service.
They are just part of the company’s extensive range of grilles, diffusers and louvres for natural and mechanical ventilation.
Founded over 60 years ago, Gilberts Blackpool is the UK’s leading independent air movement specialist and is unique in its ability to develop both ‘mainstream’ and bespoke ventilation solutions entirely in-house. Its 140,000 ft2 of manufacturing facilities in the UK enables Gilberts to offer a complete integrated service from design through tooling, production, testing and dedicated supply. Gilberts’ Lancashire head office further incorporates the latest CFD modelling and real-world test centre- one of the most technically advanced in the country.