PROJECTS » Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP
Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP, Edinburgh
Morton Fraser Solicitors and MacRoberts, two of Scotland’s most established legal firms, merged to create a flagship office. They united under one headquarters and one brand to strengthen their market position and improve the client experience.
To reflect the ambition and stature of the newly formed firm, the leadership team introduced a refreshed brand identity and a new office space. The unified business now serves clients across Scotland, the wider UK and internationally. By bringing both teams together, the firm has also positioned itself to attract and retain top legal talent.
A Landmark Move in Scotland’s Legal Sector
Following a timely lease event and both companies occupying four floors in two separate office spaces, it only felt right for the company to form their new Headquarters, Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac) LLP in Haymarket, Edinburgh. This marked a defining moment in Scotland’s legal sector and makes the new brand one of the top four legal firms in Scotland.
This development brings together around 500 employees and 70 partners from across the central belt of Scotland, and surpassed its annual expected revenue with £50m in its first full year of trading. The existing accommodation no longer met the needs of an expanding workforce, with constrained desk capacity, limited meeting facilities and insufficient hybrid working options.
The new and improved Grade A building in Haymarket Square was designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Foster + Partners, an international studio known for its sustainable, urbanism, engineering and design founded by Norman Foster in 1967. With an EPC rating of A and a BREEAM certification of ‘Very Good’, sustainability has been woven throughout the design in to align with the company’s commitment to environmental excellence, and is further supported by its ISO 14001 certification for Environmental Management.
CREATING A SUSTAINABLE, FUTURE-FOCUSED HEADQUARTERS:
The new fit-out combines intentional and varied planting:
With views of Edinburgh’s landscape, the building provides a dramatic view of the city’s impressive landscape. Although the building is equipped with modern furniture, mid-century modern light shades and quirky cobalt-blue bubble sofas, it needed expert planting to make the overall look feel more intentional.
DESIGN THAT SUPPORTS WELLBEING AND COLLABORATION:
The materials, design and systems applied aligned with Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP’s wider ambition:
The use of curved, timber booths improves acoustics by reducing noise and improving accessibility while reducing floor space
Overall, the unique planting scheme demonstrates Morton Fraser MacRobert LLP’s commitment to creating a cohesive, people-driven workspace where wellbeing and collaboration is at the forefront.
A COHESIVE PLANTING STRATEGY:
Working closely with Morton Fraser MacRoberts, one of the UK’s top legal firms and Foster + Partners, a world-renowned architecture firm, Benholm was carefully selected to design, install and maintain the new planting scheme for the future of Scotland’s legal sector.
The approach of planting style was used to create flexible spaces, decorate and divide areas to streamline crossover between the two major firms. With live plant displays installed, there is now a tangible feeling of nature throughout this modern workplace.
The choice of integrated planter boxes divides working spaces throughout the new office, adding a natural and vibrant wall of greenery to between key touchpoints. This is important for an open-plan work space to increase natural light, improve social interactions and provide a sense of flexibility during the working day.
Small pots with trailing plants were strategically placed in grid shelving units to add texture, vibrancy and hues of colour to the interior palette. A diverse combination of medium, leafy plants were added to sparse areas of the building to soften harsh lines and white walls.
Large plants were added to points of entrance within the reception area to highlight and divide areas within the building.
Across the main office floor, planting is carefully integrated into desks, storage and booth seating to improve air quality, reduce visual stress and improve wellbeing.
Now a human-centric office built to support wellbeing and productivity, the new office offers inhabitants choice while remaining a progressive and modern workplace reflecting the values behind this new challenger law-firm.
A COMMITMENT TO HIGH WORKPLACE STANDARDS:
Today, the headquarters stands as a human-centric workplace that supports wellbeing, productivity and choice. However, a living planting scheme requires consistent care to perform at its best.
Benholm delivers structured, preventative maintenance to ensure every plant meets visual and horticultural standards. The bespoke service includes
Our bespoke service includes:
Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP, is a company where professionalism, precision and reputation are intrinsic to the brand, every detail within the workplace matters. And our continued stewardship ensures the environment consistently reflects that same level of excellence: composed, considered and impeccably maintained.
PROJECT TEAM
MLA | Foster + Partners | AKP fit out contractor | Photography: David Cadzow
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 ongoing maintenance.
To start a conversation, call us on 01324 861300 or email sales@benholm.com
