We’ve been working on some exciting plans to develop phase 2 of our studio to provide an extra multi-functional space for our growing team. Since moving to our new studio, The Church, in the summer of 2019, the secondary area located to the rear of the building has been used for storage and currently has no heating or electrics. Connor Newton, our architectural technologist and Will Grieve, our Interior architectural designer have been collaborating to create a design concept for the space to facilitate further growth.
“When Jen asked us to start developing a concept for the back area, we started with a team focus group to pinpoint exactly what is needed from this extra space and how it will function,” comments Will. “As the team has almost doubled in size in the last two years, a key priority was for a further flexible break out space which could also be used for collaborative working and private meetings. Additional desking, space to extend our current sample and specification library and maintaining some of the existing storage were also important points highlighted.”
After reviewing requirements with the team, Connor and Will began drawing up spatial adjacencies and circulation diagrams. In order to create as much usable space as possible, the idea of a mezzanine was also discussed.
“Incorporating a mezzanine level was the only way we could meet every aspect of the brief. It wasn’t straightforward due to existing truss and window arrangements as the new floor needed to strike at a certain level to allow light to still come in, whilst providing sufficient head heights on both the lower and upper floors. The mezzanine we have designed is almost a ‘floating’ structure within the building, allowing light to filter through,” explains Connor.
Connor and Will worked on six different options which were presented to the senior team. The preferred choice includes flexible working, library and storage spaces on the ground floor. To the first floor there is fixed desking and showroom space which can also be used as a break out or meeting room. Once Connor had finalised the floor plans, he developed an axonometric drawing to show how the mezzanine integrates into the existing space. Will was then able to produce a sketch up model which really brought the space to life and enabled him to create various 3D drawings of the space.
“I’m really impressed with Connor and Will’s careful thought process and collaboration on this project,” comments Jen. “Each area has been cleverly designed with flexibility in mind to facilitate various forms of future expansion. Now the spatial concept has been finalised I’m looking forward to developing the design further with the team to create an inspirational space to complement our existing studio – watch this space!”
