PROJECTS » CUNDALL, NEWCASTLE

HOMECOMING:

Cundall’s move into Bank House marks one of the most significant moments in the firm’s fifty year history. The tenth floor of this new landmark building is now home to their global headquarters, a space that reimagines what a modern workplace can be. The firm helped design the Pilgrim Quarter redevelopment and has finally created a home within it, a full circle moment after decades working in the region.

From the earliest conversations, sustainability and wellbeing were not vague ambitions. They were required outcomes. Cundall wanted a workplace that would set a standard for future global offices. Biophilic design became one of the core pillars of that ambition and Benholm was chosen to deliver the planting approach that would make these goals real, visible and effective for everyday use.

DESIGN:

A comprehensive planting specification and positioning plan was developed for the project team, ensuring each species was selected and placed to complement lighting conditions, spatial flow and design intent. This level of detail allowed the planting to support wellbeing, zoning and visual harmony throughout the headquarters.

To help achieve Cundall’s vision for a flexible, people-centred workspace, we introduced mobile planting dividers that bring greenery into the open-plan environment while shaping zones for collaboration, quiet work and social connection. These living features soften the interior architecture, improve acoustic comfort and create a restorative atmosphere that enhances staff wellbeing.

A key focal point in the reception area is the illuminated moss wall water feature with Cundall’s logo set into the glass. A continuous sheet of water runs down the surface, adding movement and reducing ambient noise. Behind the glass, a preserved Nordik Moss wall provides a natural, textured backdrop that reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainability and biophilic design. The surrounding planter is populated with robust species such as Dracaena, Aglaonema, Philodendron Congo and Asplenium, creating a structured landscape that enhances the impact of the feature as staff and visitors enter the workspace.

The biophilic language established at the entrance continues into the boardroom, where preserved moss forms a calming, textural wall that improves acoustics and softens the formality of the space.

Across the wider workspace, planting plays a central role in shaping Cundall’s collaborative, people-focused environment. Lush greenery is integrated throughout the social and café zones, softening architectural lines and creating inviting places for informal interaction. Bespoke planters define circulation routes and provide natural privacy around meeting rooms. High-level planting and thoughtfully positioned dividers bring consistency to breakout spaces and encourage moments of pause and connection. In the open-plan desking areas, integrated planter units introduce calm, biophilic cues that support focus and wellbeing. Together, these planting solutions create a cohesive, restorative workplace that reflects Cundall’s commitment to sustainable design.

INSTALLATION + MAINTENANCE:

The installation phase was carefully planned and executed to meet the deadline for the grand opening, with our team delivering and positioning all planting with precision and sensitivity to the final interior finishes. This ensured the workspace launched exactly as envisioned, with lush, fully established greenery enhancing every area.

Benholm continues to care for all live displays with a comprehensive maintenance service including watering, feeding, trimming, pest management, cleaning, and free replacement of any declining plants. This means the planting will remain vibrant, healthy, and impactful long after installation, supporting long-term operational excellence in Cundall’s headquarters.

LET’S COLLABORATE:

If you’d like a workplace planting and maintenance strategy that aligns with your fit-out programme and long-term wellbeing goals, Benholm can support you from early design development through to installation and on-going care.

To start a conversation, call us on 01324 861300 or email sales@exquisite-violet-bat.45-157-41-64.cpanel.site

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