Contour Architecture were appointed by Habit Action to assist their team in transforming a dilapidated 55,000 sq ft space into a modern, state of the art place of work through a CAT A & B BREEAM accredited fit-out. We were responsible for the design and delivery of the CAT A work and associated BREEAM compliance with Habit Action designers completing the design of the CAT B fit out.

 

The finished building provides extensive office and staff welfare accommodation as well as having production, warehouse and workshop facilities. Accommodation includes a Plaza canteen space and Home Hub where people from all areas of the building can come together to have coffee or lunch in a relaxed environment. The gym is also another feature which is provided for all employees and a chance for them to socialise after or before their working hours.

 

One of the key features within the building that we proposed is main the accommodation staircase made from CLT (cross-laminated timber). CLT has a significantly lower embodied carbon footprint compared to steel or concrete. Throughout there is an emphasis on natural light, planting, access to outdoor spaces, the use of natural materials, texture and tones.

 

In order to achieve the desired outcome in this project, the whole space had to be stripped right back to shell and core internally, the building had to be reclad, window frames resprayed, external ground works had to be carried out, one of the internal courtyards was raised to first floor level, adding 10,000 sq ft to the internal footprint of the space, as well as making an outdoor terrace available to staff. The front right-hand corner of the building was removed to create a new glass entrance to the space, as well as solar panels being added to the roof sustainably source electricity for the building. Internally the scope of works was extensive including building 10,000 sq ft extra warehouse space, creating a large opening to house the new CLT staircase.  

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