LifeArc

LifeArc is a leading medical research charity dedicated to advancing scientific discoveries into real-world treatments. As part of its continued growth, LifeArc took an additional floor within its existing building to accommodate expanding teams and project activity.

With the space intended as a temporary solution for around two years, the organisation sought a cost-effective and sustainable approach to furnishing. One that would uphold the same quality and aesthetic standards as their existing premises, without unnecessary capital outlay.

Cost Saving

£146,375

CO₂e Saving

32.6 tonnes

Scope

Furniture Consultancy,
Furniture Procurement,
Furniture Reuse

The Project

LifeArc approached Fluid with a clear challenge: they needed to fit out a temporary setting that delivered the same functionality and comfort as their main offices, but without the cost and carbon footprint of purchasing a full suite of new furniture. Having initially explored a rental option, the team found that the two-year timeframe made rental less commercially viable. We were therefore asked to develop an alternative model that combined flexibility, quality, and sustainability.

Following a detailed review of LifeArc’s requirements, we developed a blended procurement strategy built around sourcing high-quality second-hand furniture, complemented by carefully selected new items where reuse wasn’t practical. This approach provided the perfect balance - preserving ergonomic and design standards while achieving considerable cost and carbon savings.

Working through our extensive supplier network, we sourced a range of premium used Knoll sit-stand workstations and Vitra task chairs, both known for their exceptional build quality and long lifespan. To complete the fit out, new Calma office pods were introduced to create private spaces for focus and collaboration, along with new meeting and breakout furniture, a modern locker system, and ergonomic Humanscale monitor arms.

The combination of reused and new furniture allowed LifeArc to maintain brand consistency and functionality across all floors, ensuring that the temporary space supported productivity and wellbeing. The project was delivered efficiently and on schedule, with Fluid managing all procurement, logistics, and installation in close coordination with LifeArc’s internal team.

By reusing high-quality furniture and limiting new manufacture to essential items, the project achieved a £146,375 net cost saving compared to a fully new specification and avoided 32.6 tonnes of CO₂e (carbon emissions saved) - the equivalent of planting 1,467 trees or taking 7.2 UK homes off the grid for a year.

Fluid’s partnership with LifeArc illustrates the effectiveness of a circular, mixed-sourcing procurement strategy. By combining the reuse of quality furniture with targeted new investment, we delivered a professional, high-performing environment that achieved quantifiable reductions in both cost and embodied carbon.