Dyson Global HQ

The main goal of Dyson was to advance growth and support innovation in research and development while championing sustainability and wellbeing. The project addresses the challenge of transforming a historical building into a sustainable, inclusive workspace, maintaining its heritage while supporting diverse working styles and collaboration. Adapting an old industrial building into a hub for innovation posed many design challenges, including incorporating workspaces, laboratories and social spaces while improving acoustics and integrating technology for modern workplace functions. Additionally, the brief was to ensure an inclusive experience for all while advancing carbon net-zero goals, presenting some difficulties.

The design solution is a campus-like masterplan based on the building’s historical grid that provides a spatial framework within the existing heritage architecture and meets the different demands of all departments. The result is a rational layout that is sensitive to the historic fabric whilst providing a functional arrangement of engineered new additions. We worked closely with the client to reimagine the building by injecting biophilia and human-centric elements as guiding principles. The design takes inspiration from quadrangles of academic campuses to establish an inner sanctum embracing nature, and a community space for people to meet, share and socialise.

The Dyson global headquarters project revitalised the historic St James Power Station, blending innovation, sustainability, and heritage. From a commercial perspective, the campus-like design fosters collaboration, creativity, and efficiency across various business functions. Environmentally, the project targets WELL Platinum certification, emphasising biophilia, energy reduction, and resource stewardship for a carbon net-zero impact. Societally, the adaptive reuse of the national monument showcases urban sustainability and preserves cultural heritage, while providing a healthy, wellness-focused workspace for employees. This human-centred approach, coupled with sustainable design, has a positive effect on employee wellbeing and the broader community, setting a new benchmark for modern workspaces.

1.Innovation and reuse: the design provides a campus-like environment with distinct yet sympathetic interventions that create a space for constant learning and collaboration. The pulsing heart of this historic building, the former Turbine Hall, is now a dramatic four-storey space revitalised to become an energising, innovative, and agile destination. Fostering connections among departments, this feature celebrates craftsmanship and echoes the building’s past while promoting circulation and communication to reflect an innovative work culture. 2.Agile Workspace: various workspaces, including break-out areas, quieter library spaces, and the amphitheatre, cater to diverse needs and functions, promoting flexibility and idea-sharing. 3.Tech and Engineering: thoughtful integration of acoustics and lighting throughout the building enhances user experience, fostering focus and productivity. Cutting-edge technologies streamline daily operations, making it easier for employees to collaborate and innovate. 4.Health, Sustainability and Wellness: a comprehensive focus on health and wellness encompasses ergonomic furniture, healthy materials, and amenities to promote inclusivity. The project showcases sustainable practices, energy reduction, resource stewardship, and carbon net-zero strategies. These key features demonstrate the project's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and heritage preservation, setting a new standard for modern workspaces in Singapore and abroad, and positively impacting the community and the environment.