This tired 1970s office building occupies an exceptional central Bristol site but had remained unused since 2010. The ambition was to evolve the existing building to create Grade A rated, inspiring, high quality workplaces. Through external and internal design alteration and enhancement, AWW transformed Narrow Quay House to maximise appeal and demand premium rents, whilst ensuring that budget and programme parameters were maintained.
Narrow Quay Building, Bristol, City of Bristol.
Work included the replacement of the Prince Street façade and side (part) elevation cladding/curtain walling, all windows to all other elevations and a new roof covering throughout. It also included replacement of existing entrance screens, all mechanical and electrical systems and lifts as well as the reconfiguration of entrance areas and extensive work to the atrium.
All available roofspace is covered with an extensive PV installation, and there are extensive facilities for cyclists. Narrow Quay House exemplifies the resurgence of the commercial office sector that is striving to achieve high levels of sustainability and is targeted to achieve BREEAM Very Good and EPC B.
This project is an excellent demonstration of a full-scale commercial retrofit. Passive design principles including facade and layout optimisation were followed by an overhaul of the building services and controls. Finally, all available roof space was used for onsite energy generation using an extensive PV installation. CO2 emission are reduced.
The changes to the building transformed this very tired office building to ensure it plays its part in attracting key occupiers to the city centre. This sustainable approach for redeveloping the site has been very well received from both Standard Life and Bristol City Council and demonstrates where AWW can bring real value to buildings that are ideally positioned for the refurbishment market. Mark Alker Stone, Director