Bold. British. Creative. An inclusive office upgrade for BBC Studios.

Inspiring fresh ideas in a new environment

Following our initial strip out, we got to work on creating the ground floor events space, along with an office and training suite. The foyer also received a makeover, with a new cladded timber feature wall installed behind the reception desk. All of the works were carried out while the building remained occupied.

To help the event space feel even more inspiring and connected to the outside, we installed new bi-fold doors leading out onto the courtyard. The courtyard is an uplifting place to relax and soak up the fresh air, with new decking, fixed timber seating and a pergola adorned with festoon lighting. We removed the existing artificial grass – which we later donated to a local school playground – and replaced it with resin bonding to help make the space more accessible for all.

A space that isn't afraid to stand out

Throughout the building we fitted timber cladding onto walls and columns and installed a new timber-slatted ceiling in the new kitchen area. By removing an existing commercial kitchen, not only did we create more usable floorspace and a teapoint, we also allowed for another set of bi-fold doors that provides much needed natural light to the ground floor.

The event space has seen a spectacular injection of colour in the form a vibrant mural, commissioned by Bristol-based artist Zoë Power, which stretches across an entire wall and depicts some of the city’s most iconic attractions.

A creative hub to inspire bright ideas

We know how integral creative collaboration is to BBC Studio’s ethos, so we wanted to create spaces dedicated to the sharing of knowledge and ideas.

On the ground floor, we converted the light and airy atrium space into an enclosed auditorium featuring a bespoke stage, as well as banquet and timber clad tiered seating. We also installed timber framed sound-proof glazing complete with sliding door.

Thanks to an impressive 7.1 Atmos sound system and ribbed fabric and upholstered acoustic cladding to prevent sound escaping into the open plan area, the second-floor screening room provides a truly immersive viewing experience. The clad ceiling centrepiece utilises repurposed timber from a previous boardroom in the building.

A space open to all

A key aim of the project was to enhance the building’s accessibility, not only to meet DDA compliance standards but to ensure the space remains as diverse and inclusive as possible.

We installed features such as door automation, height adjustable desks and extra wide working booths; whilst the new Changing Places room, fitted with an electrically operated bed, sink and shower, helps people with limited mobility feel as comfortable as possible.

Putting the spotlight on sustainability

We took great care to ensure the project met the BBC’s sustainability targets. To reduce the carbon impact, we offered value engineering options such as keeping the existing doors, the glazing system, and a feature slat ceiling in place.

All timber used in the project is FSC certified and most of the furniture in the workspace has been reused to minimise waste. Many walls have been decorated using cleaner clay-based paints rather than traditional emulsions, and cork, known for its renewability and noise absorption.

The project has been awarded SKA Gold rating.