Following a successful implementation of their flagship office in London, engineerin company NG Bailey are undergoing a rolling programme to upgrade their existing office accommodation across the UK. In Salford their H-shaped building required total reconfiguration to deliver a complete change in working culture. Traditional cellular offices were to be removed with a fully openplan and modern approach being introduced. This required lots of sensitive discussions with staff at different levels to incorporate all

requirements into one clear vision to suit all users. The works also had to be phased so that the building could remain fully operational

during the refurbishment.

 

Louise worked on the scheme whilst at Fuse Studios. Central to the new scheme was the relocation of the entrance to create a dramatic two storey reception lobby. This required the relevant planning applications, new landscaped amenity space and parking strategy as well as hot desk and break out space, meeting rooms, WC and shower facilities and central shared cafe. A key proposal for the phase one open plan working area was the central ‘smart wall’ which was to act as ‘mission control’ for the sales team. The strategically placed wall was wrapped in red felt so that drawings can be pinned to it with a multifunctional rail system installed to one side which allows white boards to be hooked on and off the wall as required. Louise worked closely with NG Bailey’s in house team on the lighting

and energy strategy. The main challenge for the first phase workspace area was the distinct lack of ceiling height. Our solution was to strip out the existing suspended ceiling tiles to expose the cast concrete soffit above. The exposed slab became a key part of the natural

cooling strategy developed for the space by NG Bailey and will result in lower running costs. A series of considered bulkheads were introduced to conceal the main service routes running through the space.

 

Category : Offices

Client : NG Bailey Offices

Date : Complete