'The Breeze' - Serviced Offices & Meeting Suites
The challenge
Located in Warrington's Birchwood Park, the complete design and build of 'The Breeze' was undertaken by Claremont Group Interiors and stands as the adjoining building to the Claremont's Warrington Head Office. Whilst 5,694 sq ft of single storey office space was developed to become the new home for Claremont's 65 head office staff, the 9.000 sq ft adjoining two storey building was converted to offer 6 contemporary, fully serviced tenant workspaces (ranging from 30 sq m to 105 sq m), with 5 state-of-the-art meeting suites to the ground floor-accommodating from 2 to 35 delegates; all to be independently marketed under 'The Breeze' brand.
The solution
The design was based on converting the loading bay of the original 1980s building into a light and bright reception area. Additional windows were inserted into the two storey element to bring light into the old workshop space and to allow for the creation of the 5 meeting suites; all given adoptive names to suit their distinct ambience and functional personality: 'Blue Sky' (an intimate, informal suite accommodating up to 4 delegates), 'Flight Deck' (a training/seminar suite for up to 10), 'Light' and 'Bright' (two suites which can also be expanded into a single training/seminar space for up to 35) and 'The Summit' (a formal boardroom for up to 16). Each suite features flexible furniture which can be configured into a variety of different room settings to suit individual meeting requirements.
All meeting suites were clustered around a 'Speak Easy' breakout space and were fully equipped with the latest multimedia technology (courtesy of 'Viewpoint', Claremont's audiovisual division).
In terms of the tenant space 2 self-contained tenant spaces (747 sq ft & 319 sq ft) were created to the ground floor, whilst a further 4 tenant spaces were created to the first floor (1,076 sq ft, 1,1147 sq ft, 570 sq ft & 888 sq ft).
All the services in the buildings were replaced, with new comfort cooling provided throughout, as well as new WCs and client kitchen.
The technology is both wireless and wired allowing visitors, clients and staff alike to use a variety of touchdown spaces both in the building and in the garden area. Claremont's sister company, 'Airangel', provided the seamless wireless network within the hospitality spaces, allowing external users immediate internet access though a unique 'breeze' portal:
Particular consideration was also taken to consider the potential environmental impact of the scheme. Where the budget for the internal decor allowed, lighting was carefully chosen to help reduce running costs and heat emissions. The scheme also incorporates an installation of LED lights to further reduce energy wastage and environmental impact. Other 'eco-friendly' aspects of the scheme include the flooring (supplied by Milliken) which has a biodegradable backing and can be lifted, re-coloured and re-laid for lifetime use. 'Waterless' urinals were also installed in the Gents WCs which use an absorbent compound which is removed and safely disposed of every 2 years.
The result
The establishment of 'The Breeze' brand has allowed the serviced office and meeting suites to have their own unique identity. The Breeze features the latest in office trends, with a state-of-the-art interior design and fit-out scheme, leading edge technological specifications, a service package which allows visitors, staff and tenants to simply 'plug and play', designated parking and a complete reception and concierge service.
Claremont's Managing Director, Mike Gardner, comments:
"The building is the first we've ever owned in our 30 year history and we’ve named it 'The Breeze' to convey the ease of the offer to people who want to use the service. As well as providing office facilities, such as telephony and wireless broadband, The Breeze offers areas for customers to entertain clients.
"The Breeze beautifully demonstrates Claremont's intelligent, space-saving approach to design and technology, whilst acting as a fantastic showcase of the strength of creativity and design which the company offers".
For further details and images of 'The Breeze', please visit: www.thebreeze.biz