CareCo

CareCo’s Braintree HQ has been transformed into a bright, modern workplace that reflects the company’s identity and supports a more connected way of working. Following a catastrophic fire in September 2023, the 2 year rebuild worked to create a renewed headquarters designed around collaboration, wellbeing and a stronger sense of belonging.

Located in the heart of Braintree, the 4,500m² scheme brings teams back together under one roof in a carefully considered environment that balances functionality with atmosphere. The new workplace includes open-plan team areas, a central atrium café, quiet zones, training and product display spaces, breakout areas, an outdoor terrace and a fully equipped gym, all contributing to a more flexible and inspiring day-to-day experience for staff.

Working alongside Globegold, CareCo, and the wider project team, Light Forms helped deliver a lighting scheme that supports the architectural and interior vision throughout the building. The design needed to sit naturally within a space shaped by recovery and renewal, while also creating a practical, welcoming and future-focused HQ for the business.

A carefully layered lighting approach was developed to help bring the space to life. MoonBand was adapted to create the custom walking-stick chandelier, turning a core Light Forms product into a brand-led feature that celebrates CareCo’s identity in a unique and elevated way. Nova Medium 62 Flush is used extensively throughout circulation routes and workspaces, providing clean, comfortable general illumination with excellent glare control and consistency from area to area. TinCan Large is introduced where more focused, intimate lighting is needed – such as breakout spaces and informal meeting zones – helping to create pools of light that support concentration and conversation while keeping the overall scheme visually coherent.

These core luminaires are supported by a wider family of Light Forms products, including LP2.5 and LP3.5 linear profiles, 3C DALI track, Panel 6060 and Nova 91 Surface, which are used to fine-tune the lighting to each space and task. Together, they allow the scheme to shift seamlessly between open-plan work areas, training rooms, circulation spaces and social zones, while maintaining a calm, unified visual language throughout the building

Interior graphics developed by CareCo’s in-house designer, together with bespoke joinery and product-led installations, add another layer of personality to the project. From artwork made using scooter components to a unique custom chandelier incorporating CareCo walking sticks, the fit out gives each space its own identity and reinforces the brand throughout the building.

Sustainability also played an important role in the redevelopment, with solar PV, smart building management systems and sustainable interior finishes all contributing to the building’s performance. The result is a workplace that feels considered and resilient, with lighting helping to tie together the architecture, interior design and everyday user experience.

Paul Shoosmith, Director at Light Forms, commented “CareCo’s new HQ is a strong example of how lighting can support both the practical and emotional qualities of a workplace. Our aim was to deliver a scheme that felt calm, confident and flexible, while helping the building reflect the character and ambition of the business.”

Together, the lighting and interior design have helped create a headquarters that supports CareCo’s people, celebrates its identity and provides a renewed foundation for the future.