Nurturing wellbeing through workplace design

Through the workplaces we create, our aim is to be pioneering and as kind to the environment as possible.

We push the boundaries of what can be achieved from a design perspective, never settling for the status quo because it’s easier or more straightforward to deliver.

To ensure people love being in the spaces we create, we also place an emphasis on supporting the physical and mental health of those using the buildings we’ve crafted and honed.

Eden – a 12-storey, 115,000 sq ft office situated in New Bailey – is a prime example of this.

At every stage, Eden has been crafted with the occupier in mind, incorporating a range of features which holistically support the health of those inside.

World Mental Health Day 2025 (10^th October) provides an opportune moment to reflect on how a workspace can positively impact a person’s wellbeing and that of their colleagues and friends.

Supporting positive mental health

Eden has redefined the workplace concept by focusing on the core wellbeing principles – one of which is mental health.

To this effect, a range of features work in harmony to support the positive mental health of Eden’s occupants throughout the day.

It’s living wall – the largest in Europe and adorned by 350,000 plants – provides a visual connection to nature, helping to lower stress, and contributes to a community short on green space. Internally, large windows draw in natural light and provide glimpses of the flora and fauna just outside.

Providing biophilic health and wellbeing benefits to the occupiers, the façade is evidence of our commitment to the WELL Building Standard principles; improving human health and wellbeing through design.

Elsewhere, Eden has enhanced fresh air rates to improve indoor air quality – with each floor having demand-controlled ventilation, CO2 monitoring, and sensors. Providing optimal air quality throughout the building helps to boost the cognitive function of those inside, and also helps to prevent the ‘afternoon slump’ feeling.

A physical boost

As well as the elements built into Eden designed to promote positive mental wellbeing, the workspace also incorporates facilities to aid better physical health.

There are 156 bike storage spaces which enable occupants to choose a more environmentally-friendly route to the office, while there are showers and changing facilities to better facilitate exercise during the day, too.

These amenities are also perfect for anyone who takes part in stretching, gentle exercise or a class in Eden’s very own yoga studio.

Both the studio and adjacent treatment room can be booked by companies to provide the perfect space for employees to unwind and detox, nurturing both mind and body.

“Thanks to Eden’s end of trip facilities and on-site amenities, people working in the building can seamlessly dovetail physical activity with their working day. Whether it’s cycling to work, enjoying a lunchtime run, or taking a yoga class, occupants can keep up with their fitness regimes without having to plan it around work. This boosts both physical and mental wellbeing, setting Eden apart from conventional offices.”

Fostering connectivity and collaboration

We’ve also ensured that community, collaboration and connectivity are at Eden’s heart as we understand the importance of togetherness, team morale and the power of social health.

This is perhaps best evidenced through Eden’s onsite café – Spice & Grind – which serves up delicious treats, breakfast and lunch options, and artisan drinks.

It provides the perfect location to catch up with colleagues in an informal setting, and also makes for a relaxed space to hold meetings. It’s open to the general public too, as we wanted to ensure the local community could interact with Eden and enjoy using the space.

Another standout amenity is the roof terrace, which affords panoramic views of Salford and Manchester. It’s a great spot for taking a break away from the desk or even holding team events and socials, especially in the spring and summer.

Having spaces like the roof terrace – and breakout zones like the ones we have on the ground floor – are invaluable as they not only provide areas to take a breather and reset, but offer alternative spaces to plan projects or simply catch up away from the more formal office environment.

The power of a workplace

The workplace – and how employees feel about being there – has never had a more crucial role to play in the world of employment, recruitment and retention.

By thinking holistically about the wants and needs of those who will be using the building and how their health can be supported through design features, it’s possible to deliver spaces that revolutionise the world of work and alter the narrative around the perception of office life.

We’ve proved that with Eden.