The new North Sea headquarters of French energy firm GDF Suez in Aberdeen was yesterday crowned as the best corporate workplace in Scotland.
Judges in the British Council for Offices’ (BCO’s) latest Regional Awards said the 40,000 square feet riverside development showed what can be achieved by a “clear vision that puts the needs of the occupier centre stage”, while at the same time benefiting the wider community.
GDF Suez House on North Esplanade West had its official opening last October.
The four-story building is home to the development and operations teams of GDF Suez Exploration and Production UK.
Construction started in January 2013 and the energy firm achieved its target of consolidating four existing offices into one by the close of 2014.
The annual BCO awards recognise top quality office design and functionality and aim to set the standard for future developments.
BCO – the UK’s leading member organisation representing the interests of all those who occupy, design, build, own or manage offices – said the GDF Suez project had created a benchmark for office design in Aberdeen in terms of both physical design and sustainability credentials.
It added: “The occupier was involved throughout the whole renovation process, opting for higher-grade materials for the external facade to enhance the building’s sense of quality.
“This theme is then followed through with a high quality fit-out, which was praised by the judges.”
Judging chairman Stephen Lewis, managing director of Scottish commercial property firm HFD Group, said: “The winning project in Aberdeen demonstrates what can be achieved from a clear vision that puts the needs of the occupier centre stage.
“GDF Suez House has also benefited the wider community, playing an important role as a catalyst for change in Aberdeen’s North Deeside business quarter.”
BCO chief executive Richard Kauntze added: “It’s brilliant to see such consistent quality in the entries for this year’s awards in Scotland.
“The worthy Aberdeen winner achieves new standards in terms of sustainability and workplace flexibility and will no doubt be held up as inspiration for future developments.”
Other workplaces across Scotland receiving recognition included The Venture and Albus buildings in Glasgow and PwC’s Edinburgh office.
Yesterday’s awards lunch, held at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, was attended by more than 290 of Scotland’s top designers, developers, architects and occupiers.
All the winners now go on to compete for the UK national awards, taking place on October 6.