Building for the Future: How Guernsey's New Headquarters is Redefining the Workplace

A Milestone Moment: The Future is Taking Shape

On Friday, we reached a milestone that brought our vision closer to reality— we officially submitted our permit set. It's a big moment, not just because it marks another step forward in construction but because this project represents something much bigger.

Our new headquarters isn't just another office building. It's a statement about what the future of work should be—a space prioritizing people, sustainability, and innovation. It's the kind of workplace that doesn't just house employees but supports their well-being, enhances their productivity, and connects them to something greater.

And at the heart of it all? Mass timber.

A Choice That's More Than Structural

When we set out to design our headquarters, we asked ourselves: What kind of place do we want to work in?

We could have chosen traditional materials — steel, concrete, drywall — but we knew there was a better way. We wanted to build something that reflected our values and created an environment where people could thrive, collaborate, and feel inspired every day.

Mass timber was the answer.

From the moment you step into the building, you'll feel the difference—the warmth of exposed wood, natural light spilling across the space, and the quiet hush of an office built with materials that absorb sound instead of amplifying it. It isn't just an office—it's a workplace reimagined.

How Mass Timber Transforms the Work Experience

1. A Natural Stress-Reducer

Walk into a space built with mass timber, and something happens — you feel at ease. There's science behind that. Studies show that natural materials like wood have a measurable impact on reducing stress and improving mood.

Mass timber brings the outdoors in, tapping into biophilic design—the idea that people are naturally drawn to nature and feel better when surrounded by it. Employees working in spaces with natural wood report:

  • Lower stress levels
  • Increased focus and creativity
  • Improved job satisfaction

It is real, tangible wellbeing woven into the very structure of the building.
2. Cleaner Air, Healthier Workdays

Have you ever walked into a brand-new office and been hit by that "new building" smell? VOCs (volatile organic compounds) often cause that distinct aroma. VOCs are chemicals in synthetic materials, adhesives, and finishes that can linger in the air and cause headaches, fatigue, and irritation.

Mass timber mitigates that problem. It's a low-emission material that contributes to:

  • Cleaner indoor air
  • Fewer toxins and allergens
  • A healthier work environment overall

With fewer airborne irritants, employees can breathe easier — literally.
3. A Space That Sounds Better

A noisy office is more than an annoyance – it's a productivity killer. Concrete and steel can amplify sound, making open-office environments feel chaotic and distracting. Mass timber has natural acoustic properties that absorb sound instead of bouncing it around.

  • Fewer distractions
  • Easier collaboration
  • A calmer, more focused atmosphere

When people can hear themselves think, they do better work.
4. Comfort You Can Feel

Office buildings can be notorious for temperature swings — freezing in the winter and sweltering in the summer. Mass timber helps solve that. It's a natural insulator that stabilizes temperatures and reduces reliance on energy-intensive HVAC systems.

  • More consistent indoor temperatures
  • Less energy use
  • A workplace that feels better

It's a small change that makes a big difference in everyday comfort.

A Building That's Good for the Planet, Too

Choosing mass timber was about improving our office for our employees and the environment.

Concrete and steel release massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during production. Mass timber, on the other hand, stores carbon rather than emitting it.

The Impact of Our Building in Numbers:

  • 36,000 cubic feet of mass timber used in construction
  • Sequesters 936 metric tons of CO₂—the equivalent of removing 180–225 cars from the road for a year
  • A design choice that mitigates climate change instead of amplifying it

A Vision for the Future of Work

Our new headquarters is about more than four walls and a roof. It's about creating a workplace that aligns with how we want to work, live, and connect—with each other and the world around us.

  • A building that prioritizes people
  • A space that enhances well-being
  • A model for sustainable, forward-thinking design

The countdown is on: we've submitted the permit and construction will start this June. Our vision will become a reality by late 2026.

We can't wait to step inside—and we're excited for you to experience it, too. After we get settled, we’ll welcome the community to come visit us in our new home to realize the difference mass timber delivers.