Shell and core
Also known as a ‘base build’, this category describes the first stage of fit-out — as the name suggests, just the base level and basic structure of the building. There will be no lighting, air-con, fire detection or interior partitioning of rooms.
At Denton, we take a shell and core building and transform it to either a CAT A, CAT A+ or CAT B standard, depending on the client’s requirements.
Let’s take a deeper look at these categories. The type required depends on the needs of the landlord, tenants and those who’ll be occupying the space.
CAT A
A step above shell and core, this type of build has everything that shell and core has, but with all basic installations included — toilet facilities, painted walls, mechanics and electrics, lighting, fire detection, air conditioning and so on. Floors and ceilings are completed to industry standards.
Again, as with shell and core, there are no fixtures or partitions within the space, which would be included in a CAT B build. In CAT B, a tenant instructs on how to fit out the space (a complete refurbishment).
CAT A gives landlords the power to market a ready-to-go canvas, appealing to as many prospective clients as possible. In turn, this gives the tenant the power to craft their own CAT B interior space, but with a few more bells and whistles than shell and core.
CAT A+ (‘plug and play’)
CAT A+ is not a new concept in design and build however it has recently exploded in popularity. It bridges the gap between CAT A and CAT B — CAT A+ is instructed by the landlord and can be seen as a ‘tenant ready space, attracting a new type of occupant who has new demands of their workspace.
Plug and play provides a space that works quickly for occupants with little fuss. In today’s market, with the pandemic ushering in new expectations and demands, this is increasingly important.
CAT A+ involves almost all aspects of the fit-out being completed, so the space is essentially ready to be occupied straight away, bar a few minor touches and personalisations. Furnished and ready for occupation, CAT A+ is also known as ‘plug and play’ — in many ways, this type of fit-out is as comprehensive as a tenant’s CAT B instruction.
- Feature finishes and decoration
- Breakout space
- Agile task and furniture
- Reception area
- ‘Plug and play’ services coupled with SMART building technology
- Showers and cycle storage
CAT A+ caters to an occupant that needs support in their ways of working in an uncertain post-pandemic period. Shared community workspaces, creative collaboration and flexible working; it’s a tenant-ready fit-out carried out by the landlord.
CAT A+ also provides value to landlords by making the workspace much more marketable. When creating CAT A+ spaces, we visualise the space from the outset and provide 3D walkthroughs to assist with the marketing of a space whilst it’s being constructed.
If a prospective tenant expresses interest during the delivery period, these changes can be visualised and incorporated, minimising the conversion-to-let time. Content will be tailored according to the tenants’ target market(s), the surrounding area and the building itself.
Ultimately, it’s a win-win. The building owner has more control and a highly-marketable asset; the occupant can get their hands on a ready-to-go space without a huge initial investment.
Ready to plug and play?
As the workspace experts and London’s longest-established design and build company, we’re your people for creating an incredible workspace, wherever you are in the UK.
Whether it’s a CAT A, plug-and-play or CAT B fit-out, we’ve got the in-house expertise to design a breathtaking solution. Read more about our fit-out services and drop us a message to discuss your needs and requirements.
