The refurbishment of this Grade II Listed building in central Bath transformed an outdated office space while preserving its historical charm. Originally built as a church and converted into offices in the 1980s, the building's cellular office layouts were no longer fit for modern use. The project focused on removing the partition walls and suspended ceilings, which had compartmentalized the interior. This opened up the space to showcase its vaulted ceilings and original architectural features, blending the old with contemporary design elements.

A key part of the refurbishment was the installation of exposed services, which added a sense of height and openness to the space. This design choice not only created a more airy and spacious atmosphere but also enhanced the building's historic character. The exposed services were combined with a modern Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) system, replacing the old gas heating with an energy-efficient, electricity based solution. This included Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) and air source heat pumps for both heating and cooling, improving the building’s sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint.

Beyond the interior, the refurbishment also focused on sustainability in the building’s external facilities. Bicycle storage and changing rooms were added to encourage staff to cycle to work, supporting environmentally friendly commuting options. These improvements, along with the modernised interiors, helped create a comfortable, energy-efficient workplace that honours the building's history while embracing modern, sustainable practices.

Project Roundup

Client: Urban Creation

Project Team: Box Twenty Consulting Engineers Ltd, Skeletal Consulting Engineers Ltd

Location: Bath, UK

Project Brief:

Office refurbishment of a Grade II Listed property in central Bath.

Objectives:

• Enhance Historic Character: Retain and highlight the building’s original features, including vaulted ceilings, by removing partitions and suspended ceilings.

• Modernise Systems: Replace outdated gas heating with energy-efficient MVHR and air source heat pumps, providing heating and cooling.

• Sustainability: Improve facilities to support cycling to work, including bike storage and changing rooms.