Six projects across the South of England have been recognised in an annual awards scheme.
Trade body British Council for Offices hosted its 2023 event in Cardiff to celebrate projects that demonstrate best practice in office design, fit-out, operation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector.
Among the winners were three South West offices:
Commercial Workplace - One Portwall Square in Bristol
The six-storey Grade A office building of 35,750 sq ft was constructed on the side of disused squash courts. A key focus of the building was placed on wellbeing and environmental performance. The judges said that they were "particularly impressed" by the mixed mode heating, ventilation and cooling system, incorporating passive ventilation with traffic light system and concrete core cooling through embedded pipework in the exposed floor slabs. The office also features roof terraces on every level.
Best Fit out Workplace - Clockwise in Southampton
A 1990's office building has been redesigned through the use of colourful and furnishings into what the judges called "an inviting, open and collaborative environment". The scheme has been designed with flexibility in mind and provides a range of communal spaces as well as a variety of office sizes. The project has focused on the use of sustainable and recycled, low VOC materials, lime-based paints, and using local marine waste to create select pieces of furniture. The design takes cues from luxury hospitality and residential design with a nod to Southampton’s Regency architecture. The judges described the winner as "an exceptional workspace that truly lift the spirits".
Project up to 1,500sqm - Dock House in Bristol
The compact office on Bristol's harbour front features a secret meeting room and purpose-built bar. The judges highlighted how this office is a perfect example of where an occupier "expresses their personality through fixtures and décor". The building was commercially successful, having been fully let.
The South of England and South Wales winners will compete for the BCO National Awards in October 2023.
Matthew Heaman, director at Hoare Lea and the British Council for Offices’ South of England and South Wales Committee Chairman, said: “The BCO’s regional awards are an annual highlight for the office sector in this vibrant area of the country. It is a great occasion that allows us to convene and celebrate the best of the best that workplace has to offer. This year’s winners across the South of England and South Wales are beacons of innovation in sustainable office-sector design. Importantly, they also offer impressive examples of how design can enhance work culture and support employee wellbeing. Congratulations to all our regional winners and good luck for the BCO National Awards 2023.”
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