As an expanding company, the design required a clear and functional solution to retain the small company ethos while supporting its needs. The brief was to provide an innovative and modern workspace that is multi-functional, inclusive and ranks highly in sustainability, occupant comfort and acoustics.
Adapting The Gaslight from a multi-tenanted building into a single occupier called for architectural intervention to ensure the vertical stacking and circulation gave a seamless visual connection through the floors while maximising the use of all available space. Creating a large opening for a central link in the heart of the building enhanced the sense of openness and transparency across each floor by allowing seamless transitions between collaborative social spaces and private working areas.
The introduction of a suspended staircase created an open central circulation route which connects shared spaces on the ground and first floors, to private spaces and meeting rooms on the upper floors.
The client wanted to focus on a data-driven approach to minimising energy consumption both in construction and occupation. The design team worked with a team of experts including engineering and sustainability practice Max Fordham, which carried out an extensive early-stage analysis to select appropriate technologies using a design tool developed by the Energy Group at Cambridge University.
The sustainable design approach considered both business and commuting travel energy, embodied energy, operational energy and construction site impacts for the 10 year lease. The project has achieved Net Zero Carbon in Construction, in line with the UK Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon framework.
High impact materials, finishes and furniture were chosen for their circular economy value, such as solid wood floors, desks made of cabinetry that can be adapted and reused, and acoustic panels that can be reupholstered. Many lighting and furniture pieces were sourced from vintage suppliers.
Ample meeting areas, phone booths, plants, advanced integrated technology, well-stocked fridges, snacks, and access to fresh air contribute to the feeling of wellbeing in the office. Bluebottle also completed the redesign of Atomico’s café which follows the same ethical and sustainable principles as the workspaces.