A mock castle has been turned into a modern, inspiring office in the latest and most ambitious project for Bath-based workplace design and build specialist Interaction.
The firm created what it has called the ultimate workplace for financial comparison website money.co.uk in a £3m, nine-month project at its unique office in Cirencester.
Having not had any major work carried out in years, the 10,000 sq ft Grade II listed Victorian ‘castle’ did not reflect money.co.uk’s position in the market or the future of the business.
In 2015 money.co.uk was ranked as the second-fastest growing business in the UK by The Sunday Times. It needed its workplace to reflect this growth and illustrate its culture as well as continue to attract and retain the best talent in their industry.
It also wanted to reward staff with the best place to work. This meant creating an environment where the team could flourish, fulfil its potential and feel happy.
The design concept was to juxtapose the traditional architecture of the castle with a contemporary and one-of-a-kind finish.
The distinctive building already provided a characterful and quirky workplace setting, so the interior needed to reflect the eccentricity of the exterior.
Interaction’s unique design features include a bespoke Star Wars-themed cinema complete with popcorn machine, hand-painted suits of armour, and ‘Rolling Stones’ and ‘Steam Punk’ themed bathrooms. 
There is also an ice cave, ski lodge and hi-tech room which can all be used to have informal meetings, socialise, or just relax.
Interaction worked on the project with Bath signmaking firm Freestyle Designs and architects Mitchell Ealey Gould, also based in the city.
Interaction managing director Dieter Wood said: “The fact that the money.co.uk were aligned to our values and philosophy made this job extremely rewarding as they mirror our belief that staff are the most valuable asset of any company.
“The result exceeded all expectations, creating an extraordinary space that can change people’s working lives and have a significant positive impact upon the business.
“We were given complete freedom to transform The Castle into a remarkable and one-of-a-kind workspace that breaks the boundaries of corporate normality.”
money.co.uk founder and managing director Chris Morling added: “We very quickly realised that this was much too big a job to do on our own, and we made the right decision by bringing Interaction on board.
“They opened our eyes to what was possible beyond just making the place look pretty. The workplace adds an extra level of motivation and satisfaction from working in such a stunning and functional environment.
“I absolutely love the finished product and I’m really delighted, going above and beyond my original expectations.”
Interaction has worked with a wide range of major, blue-chip employers such as law firms TLT, Burges Salmon, Royds Withy King and Veale Wasbrough Vizards, Bath finance firm Fidelius and the Bristol office of recruitment firm Rethink, which last year won the award for the South West’s Happiest Workplace.
