Custom AgilePOD#10 Acoustic Pods Enhance the Met Office's State-of-the-Art WELL Building

AgileAcoustics recently completed a successful project in collaboration with the Met Office, the UK’s National Meteorlogical Service.

The Brief

The assignment involved designing and installing nine AgilePOD#10 office pods for their cutting-edge Well Building in Exeter. Situated in Exeter's Science Park, this facility features high-tech amenities such as a state-of-the-art IT hall designed to partially house their new supercomputer and an innovative structure dedicated to pioneering climate change research. Recognising the importance of providing private spaces for focused work within the Well Building, AgileAcoustics' AgilePOD#10 pods were the perfect solution for the Met Office.

This particular project presented a unique challenge for the AgileAcoustics team, as the Met Office's building was developed in accordance with the WELL Building Standard®. The WELL Standard has been created in order to prioritise the well-being and health of its occupants, employing a performance-based system to measure, certify, and monitor features that can impact well-being and health, encompassing comfort, mind, air, water, light, nourishment, and fitness.

We understood that our AgilePOD#10s would seamlessly integrate into the Met Office's new premises, offering comfortable and private workspaces for quiet productivity, phone calls, or even relaxation. Eager to rise to the challenge, we took the opportunity to make custom modifications to the AgilePOD#10s (originally developed in collaboration with HMRC) to align with the WELL Standard's criteria.

The Solution

Our solution involved several key enhancements tailored to meet the WELL Standard's requirements. To ensure optimal air quality within the office pods, we introduced a Co2 Monitor, a first-time addition for AgileAcoustics. Once the air quality reaches 800ppm, the pod's integrated ventilation system automatically activates, effectively reducing Co2 levels.

Furthermore, at the Met Office's request, we equipped the pods with a technical lighting system designed to deliver 350 lux at dusk level. The lighting installation utilises the cutting-edge SmartScan wireless lighting control system, enabling users to monitor energy performance, access operational information, and detect any faults. The wireless SmartScan system seamlessly communicates with a battery-operated scene plate, allowing users to customise and select from up to 10 wireless scenes based on their preferences.

The selection of upholstery fabrics for the pods involved careful consideration of Light Reflectance Values and inclusivity. Dark fabrics tend to absorb excessive natural light, creating a constricted ambiance. To achieve a light and airy atmosphere, we chose fabrics that reflect light effectively. Additionally, we added subtle and unique embroidery to complement the Met Office's branding, enhancing the bespoke appearance of the pods.

Our client at the Met Office commented, “We have had feedback panels on the Pods since install and the only button press we’ve received is smiley faces”.

Whilst these Pods don’t feature our first-to-market automated sliding door (originally developed for wheelchair users and Islington Council), they still have excellent accessible credentials.

We are delighted with the successful outcome of this project as it highlights how our range of office pods can be customised and adapted to suit the unique requirements of different workplaces. As a result, we are now in the process of developing a brand-new office pod product for the Met Office.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to innovate and expand our office pod range in the near future. For more information about AgileAcoustics and our range of accessible office pods and acoustic products, please visit our Products Page.