Bevan Brittan LLP Bristol, 69,700 sq ft Bevan Brittan tasked Claremont with considering how the company’s building would best function for staff. Claremont identified that the current ‘C’ shaped building would result in teams becoming isolated from one another at the ends of such large floor plates, potentially resulting in isolated departments. Claremont identified that the building would benefit from the development of a cohesive ‘sense of purpose’ across the 6 storeys.
consultancy > design > furniture > audiovisual
Location: Bristol Sector: Legal Project Value: Total Value for Cat A & Cat B works: £14.5m No. of Staff: 400 no. over 6 floors with expansion space for 90 plus 140 in the sub-let space
The Brief Claremont’s solution was to add a building extension which would effectively infill the ‘C’ plate and create a ground floor atrium which would visually link all storeys. This link would be further enhanced by providing open floor plates throughout the building, with circulation space adjacent to the atrium. Claremont also felt that it was essential to provide a quicker circulation route from one side of the office to the other and between floors, to physically and visually link teams and the firm as a whole. To facilitate this plan, Claremont proposed moving the lifts from the outskirts of the building to the centre of the atrium, with glass lifts and flying ‘gantries’ connecting the floors. This solution also ensures that the atrium and circulation spaces are constantly busy, with individuals visible throughout the building, adding a feeling of dynamism and connectivity. t: 01925 284 000 w: www.claremontgi.com © 2008
Bevan Brittan LLP Bristol, 69,700 sq ft
consultancy > design > furniture > audiovisual
The proposal was well received by the client and the architect, for meeting peoples’ needs and creating a strong architectural feature and building hub. Furthermore, the scheme meant that the lifts and adjacent circulation areas would not be within the building’s net usable space; advantageous both financially and in terms of liberating prime office space. Claremont’s scope encompassed design from the initial ‘big picture’ concept, right through to the specification of every fixture, fitting and accessory. The client suite incorporates a concierge reception, client reception and break out area, riverside café and meeting suite with 120-seat conference facility, and catering kitchen. In addition, working space was provided for the 410-strong firm with local break out and refreshment zones.
The Brief The Working Floors New space planning principles and workstation standards were adopted for the working floors, with legal teams and support staff clustered around collaborative browserie height storage units to assist in communication and mentoring. A balance between local and team storage has been established to ensure quick response to clients, but also file accessibility and traceability for teams. Brand Identity Bevan Brittan has established a progressive brand and corporate identity and the relocation presented a fantastic opportunity to reinforce this with a striking interior identity that builds on the same platform. The brand uses dynamic fractals in a variety of colours to represent the ‘adaptive energy’ which is at the heart of Bevan Brittan’s client-centric approach. In terms of adaptive energy colour change lighting has been incorporated into the building ‘light house’ which creates night time visibility for the building even on the approach in to Bristol, this is synchronised with similarly sequenced colour changes on the reception desk itself. The fractals are interpreted in kiln-fired glass elements throughout the client suite and are used more literally as manifestations to meeting and quiet room elevations. Intuitive navigation throughout the building was re-enforced with a different ‘signature colour’ for each floor taken from the fractal designs. The Claremont team worked closely with a multi-disciplinary team including project manager, architect, M&E consultant and acoustician. In addition Claremont was responsible for a total furniture specification, procurement, installation and move management package.
t: 01925 284 000 w: www.claremontgi.com © 2008