Queens Quay

Queens Quay is located on a vibrant, tree-lined, Georgian square in central Bristol. Dating from the late 1980s, the existing building sat uncomfortably in its heritage setting. Externally, the building presented two contrasting personalities; to the North, a pastiche Georgian façade, whilst to the South a post-modern style façade looked towards the floating harbour. Internally the layout was heavily compromised by a disjointed central core arrangement and ineffective lightwell.

The project set out to give the building a renewed identity, one that reflects the prestige of its Queen Square address. The design reinstates a sense of confidence and belonging aligning the exterior with its historic context while reconfiguring the interiors for modern use. Opening up the floorplates maximises dual-aspect views of Queen Square and the Floating Harbour. At basement level, previously underused space was transformed into high quality end of journey facilities, adding practical and valuable amenity.

The concept takes inspiration from the Georgian townhouses that frame the square. Originally designed as homes, their domestic scale and sense of comfort informed the design throughout. The reception evokes a contemporary Georgian drawing room, with generous proportions, soft curves, and refined detailing. The staircase bridges traditional form and modern expression, becoming a key design feature in its own right.

Relocating the building’s core from a central lightwell unlocks large, brighter office floorplates with improved daylight and views. This move also enables a reimagined ground floor, where a new reception now opens directly onto the square, enhancing connectivity between inside and out. Designed as a welcoming “drawing room,” the reception features timber floors, stone joinery, scalloped coving, and soft ceiling details. The basement was reconfigured to include cycle and scooter storage, showers, lockers, and a drying room, all linked via the new core.

Externally, the building has been sensitively restored with heritage-style windows and improved glazing. Branding, wayfinding, and artwork are integrated from the outset, aligning with the refined architectural character.

The project’s success lies in a clear interior concept that blends Georgian design principles with a refined, contemporary approach. This balance is most evident in the reception, where fabric wall panels and recessed detailing echo Georgian proportions and restraint. Feature lighting and soft, indirect illumination help manage low ceiling heights and create a calm, focused atmosphere.

Georgian influence continues in the bespoke plasterwork, a simplified vertical fluted pattern used across walls, ceilings, and the reception desk. Soft furnishings and carefully placed artwork add depth, delivering a curated and crafted space.

A major technical challenge was relocating the building’s steel frame core, positioned above a concrete transfer deck. Any structural changes required rigorous testing and early collaboration with structural engineers to ensure the alterations were viable, safe, and seamlessly integrated into the design.

The building’s structure and façade were in sound condition, making it an ideal candidate for retrofit and reuse. By modifying the internal layout and harnessing the flexibility of the steel frame, the design significantly extends the building’s useful lifespan.

Refurbishing instead of rebuilding saved 1,506 tonnes of embodied carbon and 692 tonnes of carbon - around 69% less than a typical new-build, based on LETI benchmarks.

New windows and solar panels installed above the new plant deck have significantly improved the building’s energy performance, reflected in an upgraded EPC B rating. Alongside the high-performance end-of-journey facilities and new building services, the scheme is on track to achieve BREEAM Excellent and WiredScore/ActiveScore Platinum certifications.

Though situated in the heart of a busy city, the building has been designed to provide a calm and considered interior experience. Natural light, dual-aspect views, and soft contemporary finishes create a welcoming and focused environment that offers a clear connection to the surrounding city.

The office floors are bright, flexible, and characterful. Dual aspect heritage-style windows give each space a distinctive feel, combining modern function with the charm and elegance of an historic setting. The layout encourages movement and variety, offering occupiers a series of open and light-filled workspaces.

Wellbeing is embedded throughout the project from the increased natural light and open staircases to the warm, tactile material palette. Natural timbers, soft textures, and muted tones bring a sense of ease and connection to nature. Integrated planting within the reception reinforces this biophilic approach, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior and contributing to a healthier, more uplifting environment for all users of the building.

A priority for the project has been the creation of clean, flexible office floors with an efficient well located building core. Office floors can be let to a single or dual tenancy as desired.