Aon’s office fit-out optimised with BIM

The Space

Aon now occupies the capital’s Leadenhall Building – commonly referred to as “The Cheesegrater”. A grand building which is home to many major players in the insurance world. Aon’s intention was to consolidate the companies UK property portfolio from five London sites into two.

Subsequently, Aon had over 2000 employees relocated across 11 floors of this iconic building. The key to the success of such a structural upheaval would lie in AON’s staff member’s reaction to their new 191,000 sq ft surroundings.

The Project

Firstly, Architect Gensler produced a simple design brief: to create an area that encourages a collaborative way of working. Furthermore, giving employees the choice of where and how they work. Subsequently, this flexibility and unitive requirement would be central to this project, not only to ensure the move to be a success but also to cement Aon’s culture of oneness.

In addition, working with BIM [Blog] level 2 allowed us to mould our partitions to Gensler’s design. Consequently, we maximised staff mobility and agility whilst enhancing the Leadenhall location and impressive views. To help make AON and Gensler’s vision a reality, we were commissioned to install glass systems throughout the insurance giant’s new HQ.

We worked on all ten levels (4-13) in order to fulfil the BIM requirements for this project with AON. Subsequently, we produced a 3D model in Revit. In addition to us using Level 2 collaboration, we used BIM to help with creating bespoke interface details, such as room booking panels and column abutments. Subsequently, the models were exported into Navisworks to allow us to combine them with other subcontractor models for absolute coordination purposes. We also incorporated essential asset data into the model.

Subsequently, the client approved the Revit model, throughout the Leadenhall we designed, engineered and installed our partitions. Consequently, we installed our Optima 117 Plus single glazing, Revolution 54 double glazed fins, double glazed Edge Symmetry doors in Microflush door frames. In addition to our acoustic partitions, we installed our bespoke fire rated doors and screens which were wholly custom built and fitted specifically for AON.

The Result

AON moving to their London office has been a huge success. Consequently, these offices are beaming with exquisite quality. We helped to achieve a collaborative working environment – a space that encourages flexible working, thereby allowing AON to veer away from a more traditionally rigid way of doing things. What their new headquarters promises is the ability to surpass initial mobility objectives to coordinate with Aon’s future extension programmes.

Working with us

Upon project completion, Carl Stowell-Smith, Project Manager at Overbury Plc contractors, commented on the “excellent quality” that was achieved. He continued to explain how Optima “handled BIM extremely well”.  He praised our “flexible” and “pro-active” stance on site which allowed for the seamless, elegant and completely breath-taking space to take shape.

We are extraordinarily proud of this project; one where we were given the opportunity to work in an iconic building with a powerful brand.  It was an opportunity that stands testament to our product quality, professional service and exemplary on-site performance.