The Brief
Vapormatt had outgrown their existing headquarter building in Taunton and identified some potential new premises in Bridgwater.
Environments for Business was one of three companies asked to offer a design and refurbishment proposal for a mezzanine floor extension to the existing office. The aim was to create a light, airy, open plan space for 40 people, including director’s office, conference room and meeting rooms. The client also requested a full rework of the building entrance to form a new reception area, this included the creation of a breakout area and staff welfare spaces, plus refurbishment of the existing toilets and the creation of a new shower room.
The Visualisation
EfB’s design and specification team carried out a detailed survey of the building and created a scheme which removed the existing first floor services and part of the internal retaining wall. This allowed the installation of a 17 x 12 metre mezzanine floor which acted as an extension to the existing first floor offices to create an impressive clear area for the new workspace. Space planners created a layout which successfully met the clients spatial demands, this was passed to the visualisation team who collaborated with the clients marketing company to produce a strong branding solution for the building.
The Realisation
On entering Vapormatt’s new offices it is unrecognisable from its previous incarnation of an aged warehouse; you are now welcomed on the ground floor by a bright and airy office space inclusive of professional reception desk and striking lighting features, flowing to the relaxed breakout leisure space and large conference facility. Moving up to the first floor, here they have a collaborative hot desking space which encourages a relaxed, creative atmosphere in the heart of the open planned office space. This floor also houses glazed directors and meeting offices. These aspects along with the new staff welfare facilities and demonstration area give the client a future proofed headquarters that will serve them well for years to come.
EFB have an approach that I believe people will find very rare and refreshing these days, they have delivered us an excellent result both in terms of design and finish.
I would like to formally thank Rupert and the team at EFB for being extremely accommodating throughout the entire process and for the hard work that you have all put in to deliver our project within the timescales agreed at the beginning of the project and for the extremely professional manner in which you undertook the work.
Mick Teague, Executive Director