GSK HQ

Rainbow worked with GSK in 2024 to deliver furniture solutions for their new global HQ based in London.

The Brief

GSK set ambitious goals for their new global headquarters in London: to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum, and, most importantly, to create one of the world’s healthiest workplaces.

GSK and Rainbow worked closely with PENSON as one team to turn PENSON’s vision into the final FF&E selection. Our role was to help bring that vision to life through carefully considered, sustainable furniture solutions.

Sustainability and inclusion were central to every decision – not just within the new HQ, but also in the reuse and repurposing of furniture from GSK’s previous offices. Every new product had to meet rigorous environmental standards, from responsibly sourced materials to low-emission adhesives and varnishes.

Flexibility was another key priority. GSK required a unique agreement that combined all furniture, moves, changes, and future adaptations into one seamless monthly payment. This model had to support evolving work settings while providing financial clarity and operational agility.

The Solution

By understanding GSK’s operational needs and Penson’s design intent, we developed a comprehensive package that aligned function with vision.

Inclusive design guided detailed elements – from alternative work settings to bespoke meeting tables ensuring that every seat could be accessed by wheelchair users. Even the smallest details mattered: cable cubbies were designed so anyone could reach every power source with ease. The level of precision required in the meeting tables, including veneer layout and integrated technology, meant that no off-the-shelf solution would suffice. Our Rainbow Workshop manufactured more than 100 bespoke tables, each crafted to exact specifications.

Sustainability was achieved through full transparency. We supplied GSK with detailed breakdowns of all materials used, including emissions data for any chemicals involved in production, ensuring every item met their stringent environmental criteria.

Summary

The new GSK HQ stands as a benchmark for wellbeing-centred, sustainable design – a workplace that genuinely raises the bar for what modern work environments can achieve. From the vertical farm supplying fresh produce to The Orangery restaurant, to dedicated wellness spaces such as the gym and terrace, this is a building that redefines the relationship between people, health, and place.

PENSON’s vision across architecture, interior design, workplace settings & experiential health as GSK’s Lead Architect from PQQ to completion was vital to the project success. We were pleased to deliver a furniture strategy that brought this vision to life.

The project achieved BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum, and multiple accolades, including BCO’s Innovation Award and Best Smart Building (ISE).

Testimonial

“We were looking for somebody that we could work with, somebody that would innovate with us, that would really challenge the norm and come up with the best products to support the site. We selected Rainbow because we felt that they aligned very closely to our culture. They were willing to explore new ideas, and they were willing to test how we could potentially do things differently. Altogether, the furniture process that we went through with Rainbow was fantastic.”
Chris Higgins, Head of EMEA Workplace, Real Estate & Facilities, GSK

Key Outcomes

1. Zero Waste to Landfill: Many existing products reused in GSK HQ, including over 100 sit stand desks, and further to this, over 20,000 items relocated from GSK House and nearly 18,000 pieces were rehomed. The remaining items recycled to ensure complete zero-waste delivery.
2. Bespoke Furniture Solutions: Including 100% bespoke meeting tables and 70% bespoke workstations.
3. Ongoing Partnership and Support: A flexible leasing model that allows the space to evolve without renegotiation, maintaining the high-quality experience from day one and every day into the future.

Special thanks to the entire project team

Architect: Penson

Suppliers: Vitra, Humanscale, Ahrend, Rawside, William Hands, Contrax, Sedus, Yourworkspace, Modus, Senator, Brunner, Atdec, OE Electrics, Expormim, BOSS, CMS Ergo, Ligne Roset, RAW Workshop, Framery, and many more…