Embarq

Occupying a prominent position on Bristol's Floating Harbour, EMBARQ demonstrates the potential of thoughtful refurbishment to reposition an existing commercial asset for a new generation of occupiers.

Arranged across five storeys and providing 97,455 sq ft of office accommodation, the building already possessed many of the qualities that make a successful workplace: generous floorplates, a dramatic central atrium and a distinctive waterfront setting. However, its arrival experience, occupier amenities and building services no longer reflected the expectations of the modern office market.

Working alongside Skelton Group, AWW developed a comprehensive refurbishment strategy that extends far beyond a cosmetic refresh. The proposals encompass a transformed entrance foyer and atrium, refurbished CAT A office accommodation, new end-of-journey facilities, accessibility improvements, replacement glazing and curtain walling, extensive MEP upgrades, roof works and enhancements to the surrounding public realm.

The challenge is one we particularly enjoy: unlocking the latent potential within existing buildings. At EMBARQ, the ambition is to retain and celebrate the building's strongest qualities while creating a contemporary, flexible workplace ready for the future.

Central to the vision is the transformation of the building's arrival experience.

While the existing atrium provides an impressive volume at the heart of EMBARQ, its potential as a vibrant shared destination had never been fully realised. By relocating reception into the centre of the atrium, the design establishes a clear focal point, creating a stronger sense of arrival while giving new purpose to the space.

A striking new feature stair arrangement strengthens connections to the Level 1 workspace, encouraging movement and interaction while helping to activate what was previously an underused volume. The result is an atrium that feels welcoming, purposeful and alive, forming the social heart of the building.

The transformation extends beyond the atrium to the building's wider identity and presence.

Upgraded glazing and curtain walling, a new entrance portal, enhanced landscaping and revised external spaces create a stronger connection between EMBARQ and its surroundings while giving the building a clearer and more contemporary character.
Internally, architectural and interior interventions are carefully woven together across the entrance foyer, atrium, circulation spaces and office floors. Rather than treating these elements as isolated components, the design establishes a consistent language throughout the building, creating a seamless experience from arrival through to occupation.

Beneath the visible transformation sits a significant programme of technical upgrades, including new roof build-ups, replacement plant and building services infrastructure. These interventions ensure EMBARQ performs as effectively as it looks, delivering a genuinely renewed workplace rather than simply a refreshed one.

Every aspect of the refurbishment is shaped by the experience of those who use the building.

The repositioned reception, revitalised atrium and improved circulation routes create a more intuitive and welcoming environment from the moment occupants arrive. Refurbished Scenic lifts add dynamism, while new vertical connections strengthen visual and physical links between floors, fostering a greater sense of community throughout the workplace.

At basement level, new end-of-journey facilities support active travel and encourage healthier commuting choices, complementing the building's existing cycle provision.
The result is a workplace that is easier to navigate, more inclusive and better equipped to support contemporary patterns of work.

EMBARQ showcases how considered refurbishment can unlock lasting value from existing commercial buildings.

Rather than starting again, the design works with the building's inherent character. Layers of previous interventions have been carefully stripped back to reveal and celebrate the original cast concrete structure, while a refined interior palette of natural timber, metalwork, bespoke lighting and feature finishes brings warmth and sophistication to the spaces.

By combining design-led transformation with substantial investment in building performance and infrastructure, EMBARQ delivers a holistic approach to repositioning.

It is a building that not only looks different, but functions differently; creating a workplace that is more sustainable, more adaptable and better suited to the needs of future occupiers.

For AWW, projects such as EMBARQ represent the most rewarding aspect of refurbishment architecture: revealing the hidden potential within existing buildings and giving them the confidence, character and performance to thrive for years to come.