British broadcaster Sky wanted its new flagship building to promote flexibility, openness and ease of access for 3,500 employees.

The design brief included the use of natural materials to build a modern workplace that would put the wellbeing of Sky’s employees at its heart.  Arup used prefabrication and robust detailing to deliver a fast and flexible solution for the three-storey deep-plan building.

The use of ‘plug in’ mezzanines, ramps and stairs created the primary form of vertical circulation, enhancing staff interaction and chance encounters. Our building physics team identified a heating and cooling strategy that would ensure thermal comfort while minimising energy usage.  

The use of natural materials delivers a modern workplace that puts the wellbeing of Sky’s employees at its heart.

The main services we provided include structural, mechanical, electrical, public health, BREEAM assessment, fire engineering, fire risk assessment, access and inclusive design, lighting, civil and infrastructure, acoustics, security, and vertical transportation.

Fire engineering


Arup’s fire engineering team developed an innovative solution that enables open staircases without the need for treatment with flame retardants on over 25,000m2 of glulam beams. We coordinated the fire strategy with Sky’s fire safety management team to suit their operational needs and working practices.  

Achieving an inclusive design solution

Arup’s accessible environments team was involved from concept to completion to make inclusive design an integral part of the proposals. Access routes, circulation and facilities – as well as finishes, materials and internal layouts – were designed to satisfy neurodiversity requirements. We worked to ensure that the working procedures in the building did not adversely impact any individuals.  

Interior view of the building. Credit: Hufton and Crow
The building design includes a series of floating mezzanines, ramps and stairs, fostering the fluid movement of people and enhancing staff interaction.
People in meeting spaces at the sky central building. Credit: Hufton and Crow
Over 3,500 employees are based in the building, which has been designed to promote flexibility, openness and ease of access.
Interior view of the building. Credit: Hufton and Crow
The inclusive design solution included: Spatial considerations relating to access routes, circulation and facilities; and
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