The opportunity arose for Paxton Access to acquire a derelict 28,000 sqft former industrial building next door to their existing headquarters in Brighton. As a growing and highly innovative technology company, the building would provide the perfect setting for their new Technology Centre, creating a dedicated space for research, collaboration, and the development of new ideas.
CONVERTING A FORMER INDUSTRIAL BUILDING INTO A STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
OUR CHALLENGE
Being a stark, concrete-framed building with a concrete floor slab, no internal services and an uninsulated metal sheet roof, the building would require a comprehensive interior and exterior remodel to transform it from its faded industrial heritage to a space where the brightest graduates from the adjacent Brighton University campus would choose to work. The new space would need to accommodate around 150 staff in a variety of seating formats together with meeting suites, touch-down desking, social spaces, eating areas and storage. It would also need to serve as an impressive showcase for the organisation’s innovative product range.
THE NHQ DIFFERENCE
Paxton approached NHQ to deliver a comprehensive architectural workspace design proposal and then project manage the complex CAT A & B fit-out against an allocated budget and programme. Bringing together our specialist architectural interior workspace design team, we developed a design concept based on a convergence between the client’s aspirational brand and the industrial heritage of the building. Replacing solid walls with glass and opening out the central atrium enabled the light to flow, created a seamless connection between inside and outside and made an important visual statement about transparency, collaboration and open communication. A carefully selected balance of natural and engineered solid materials, upsized architectural features, and the use of large-scale trees and interior planting has removed unnecessary distractions and given the space permanence and calm so staff can concentrate on the tasks in hand. Management have been overwhelmingly positive about the space. With a stated vision to create a world-class facility requiring a bespoke solution, they have commented on the architectural beauty of the space, quality of construction, attention to detail and the exemplary finished building.