'The Breeze' Serviced Office, Warrington

'The Breeze' Serviced Office: Warrington

Location: Birchwood, Warrington
Sector: Property/ Construction
Project Size: 9,000 sq ft 
Programme: 12 weeks
Scope of Works: Design > Contracting > Furniture > Audiovisual
 
The Brief
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 décor 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.
 
Audiovisual Works
The audiovisual brief for 'The Breeze' was to design, build, project manage and install Audiovisual systems to meeting rooms and reception spaces.
 
Reception
A 42” LCD display with integrated audio and Digital tuner is wall mounted to display images from Free to air TV or from a PC via the CAT 5 infrastructure.
 
'Blue Sky'
An informal meeting space for up to 4 people, we installed a 42” LCD display with integrated audio and Digital tuner, mounted on a mobile support unit to display images from a local DVD/VCR combi, Free to air TV, laptop PC and auxiliary video source. Connections are made via bespoke wall and floorbox mounted input plates.
 
'Light'/ 'Bright'
Adjoining rooms separated by a folding wall allowing 2 separate rooms each with independent AV or 1 large meeting space. The ‘Light’ room is equipped with a Smartboard interactive front projection screen which allows electronic whiteboard/flipchart sessions and document annotation via a dedicated PC and ceiling mounted LCD video and data projector. Floorbox connections are also available for laptop PC and auxiliary video sources.
The 'Bright' room has a ceiling mounted LCD video and data projector displaying images from 2 floorbox mounted laptop inputs and auxiliary video input. Audio is provided via a stereo amplifier and wall mounted full range loudspeakers.
This room provides the focal wall when the split fold wall is opened out.
 
'Flight Deck'
Flight deck is equipped with a high end AV system including a twin screen videoconference system and full AMX control. Video sources from VCR, DVD, TV and auxiliary video connections can be displayed as well as computer video signals from dedicated PC and laptop (with connection at desktop). Associated audio signals are played via LCD screen integrated ceiling speakers. Audio conference calling is via a desktop unit which also doubles as the VC microphone. Video conference capabilities are from an IP/ISDN codec. A PTZ camera is wall mounted to capture local video. Multipoint calling is possible with up to 4 sites connected together. In addition, data or video presentations can be made to remote parties from any PC or video source. Because of the twin screen setup, users can see the remote party on one screen and a presentation on the other simultaneously. Control of all system functions is achieved using a wired touch screen control panel. Control functions include; system on/off; source selection; DVD and VCR transport commands; TV channel selection; video conference control; volume levels.
 
'Summit'
The main boardroom, images are displayed on an electric front projection screen via an LCD projector mounted above the suspended ceiling in a motorised mirror rig.
Video sources from VCR, DVD, TV and auxiliary video connections can be displayed as well as computer video signals from dedicated PC and laptop (with 2 connections at the desktop). Associated audio signals are reproduced via a surround sound amplifier to wall mounted cube speakers and separate bass unit. A smart sympodium unit allows interactive presentations/whiteboard sessions from the table top and via the rack mounted dedicated PC. Audio conference calling is via wireless conference phone units at the desktop. Control of all system functions is achieved using a wireless touch screen control panel. Control functions include; system on/off, source selection; DVD and VCR transport commands; TV channel selection; lighting levels; volume levels; microphone muting. When a source is selected from the touch screen panel, the screen lowers, projector is switched on, ceiling mounted mirror is brought down, lighting levels are set and video/audio signals are routed to projector and amplifier. All of these actions happen simultaneously from one button push.
When the presentation is finished, the system can be shut down from the touch panel and all equipment is powered down automatically with lighting brought back up to full.
 
The Result
The development 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.
 
 
For further information on ‘The Breeze’, please visit: www.thebreeze.biz.

Related downloads

'Winds of Change' (Mix Interiors) (PDF, 1.2MB)
0800 262 880
telephone icon