Markel

Key Details

Location:: London
Professional Team:: TP Bennett
Manufacturers:: Sixteen3, Vitra, Orangebox

Client Brief

Following the global shift in work culture, insurance firm Markel came to Hunters to help reimagine their London HQ – transforming it from a traditional, desk-heavy office into a dynamic, flexible environment that would entice staff back in.

The goal was clear: create alternative work settings that break away from the monotony of rows of desks, and instead offer people choice, movement, and moments of calm and collaboration – all wrapped in a more hospitality-inspired, biophilic experience.

Design Approach

Working with long-term client Markel and interior architects TP Bennett, we took a targeted approach to change. By removing banks of desking in key areas, particularly the corners of the building where the views over London are at their best, we introduced more relaxed, café-style working environments. High benches were installed, offering team members an inspiring place to work with their laptops whilst overlooking the city.

In the central zones, we removed further desks and replaced them with Orangebox Campers & Dens, a collection of pods and meeting spaces that offered enclosed zones for quiet working or informal group sessions. These were paired with large team benches to support touchdown working, collaboration, and quick meetings throughout the day.

One of the standout elements of the project was the use of the Sixteen3 Calvert system, which was a newly launched modular storage and workspace system. Its flexibility became the hero of the space planning, offering different configurations:

A four-person enclosed pod with whiteboards and power
A high table with integrated screen for presentations
A semi-circular banquette seating area with built-in AV

Each zone was brought to life with extensive planting and biophilic designs. And, in a continued push towards sustainability, we reused and repurposed existing loose furniture from other parts of the office, making sure nothing was wasted.

Challenges & Results

The project ran smoothly from start to finish. The new Calvert system proved a success in both form and function, and the collaborative effort between TP Bennett, Markel and us ensured the final scheme delivered on every objective.

The result was a buzzing, reinvigorated workspace where people genuinely want to be. With more variety, more personality, and more flexibility, the space now supports modern working habits without compromise. The office is busy again – exactly as planned.