Bevan Brittan

Claremont's concept development for Bevan Brittan included architectural solutions for extending the building footprint. As interior designers and space planners, Claremont approached the architectural challenge from an internal space and people bias, rather than a building perspective. In considering how the building would function for staff, Claremont identified that the current 'C' shaped building would result in departments becoming isolated from one another at the ends of such large floor plates, and that the development would benefit from a more cohesive 'sense of purpose' across all six storeys.

The Solution

Our solution was to add a building extension which would complete the circuit, effectively infilling the 'C' plate and creating a ground floor atrium visually linking all storeys. This link was further enhanced by providing open floor plates throughout the building with circulation space adjacent to the atrium. We 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. As a result, we 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 feelings of dynamism and connectivity. This proposal was well received by the client and the architect for meeting peoples' needs, creating a strong architectural feature and a building hub. Furthermore, the scheme means that the lifts and adjacent circulation areas are not within the building’s net usable space; advantageous both financially and in terms of liberating prime office space.

Claremont's scope covered design from the big picture concept above, to the specification of every last fixture, fitting and accessory. The ground floor client suite incorporates a concierge reception, client reception and break out area, riverside café, meeting rooms including a 120-seat conference facility, and catering kitchen. In addition, working space was provided for up to 600 staff, with local break out and refreshment zones.

The Result

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. 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, which 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 the integration of a different 'signature colour' for each floor taken from the fractal designs.

Claremont provided a design, space planning, working drawing package and specification for all elements of the interior fit out at Kings Orchard. The Claremont team worked closely with a multi-disciplinary team including project manager, architect, M&E consultant and acoustician. In addition, Claremont were responsible for a total furniture specification, procurement, installation and move management package.

You can see more images of the Bevan Brittan re-design by clicking here