Existing farm buildings transformed into an award winning corporate headquarters
The client, a rapidly expanding mail order fashion house, had committed to moving into new premises housing a call centre, design centre and offices in six months but had neither the planning permission nor a design for the building.
Given the urgency of the situation we produced a design which upgraded the existing factory and farm shed buildings and allowed for a phased occupation with early possession of the call centre.
Construction took place during one of the wettest winters on record and was completed through close teamwork and without a contract. Low energy use, good but controlled levels of daylight, exclusion of direct sunlight, natural ventilation and low cost of materials were all required as well as a stylish and sophisticated entrance.
The finished project turned a series of tired semi abandoned farm buildings into a stylish headquarters building for a workforce of 50 and won an RIBA Award as a result.
