The next generation of shared workspace

Located in the iconic Generator Building in the heart of Bristol, the new shared office space we created for Castleforge’s Clockwise brand is set to be a landmark of the future. We transformed the Grade II listed building into flexible, collaborative offices which will provide the next generation of professionals with inspiring and contemporary workspaces.

Project partners

  • RISE Management Consulting
  • Bush Consultancy
  • Linesight
  • Lehding Services

Project description

Once used to power the city’s trams, and having remained derelict for several years, the 120-year-old building was in desperate need of reinvention. With such a rich, industrial history, it was a great opportunity to help bring the old building into the 21st century.

Clockwise is renowned for its elegantly designed workspaces, and their new home in the Generator Building fits into their portfolio perfectly.

We wanted the entrance to make a statement, to welcome visitors with a dramatic yet welcoming space. We created a new lobby area with polished concrete floors and an engraved branded tile emblem to reinforce the iconic status of the building. The lobby has also been expanded to create a grand triple height reception and central atrium with an impressive hanging glass feature light.

As guests wander through the lobby, they arrive at the new open plan bar area with banquet seating – the perfect place to meet and socialise with colleagues or clients. The ground floor also houses private meeting rooms and kitchen facilities.

Personalised working patterns

On floors one to four, we installed individual offices with photocopier areas, tea points, banquet seating booths and breakout areas. Users of the building are given the freedom to personalise their working patterns; they might choose to occupy one of the office suites with frosted glass panels for added privacy, or they might favour the shared hot desks located on the upper floors.

Throughout the building there are features that ensure occupants have a space of their own. We installed a group of glazed soundproof pods for those moments where confidentiality is necessary, as well as a wall of lockers for personal storage.

An old footprint; a new face

On floors one to four, we installed individual offices with photocopier areas, tea points, banquet seating booths and breakout areas. Users of the building are given the freedom to personalise their working patterns; they might choose to occupy one of the office suites with frosted glass panels for added privacy, or they might favour the shared hot desks located on the upper floors.

Throughout the building there are features that ensure occupants have a space of their own. We installed a group of glazed soundproof pods for those moments where confidentiality is necessary, as well as a wall of lockers for personal storage.

While the interior has been sensitively fitted out with the building’s history in mind, there is also a conscious contrast between the utilitarian style of the original architecture and the fresh, modern aesthetic of the new design. Throughout the building, there are moments of bold creativity in the form of bright yellow painted steel beams, quirky curved seats in breakout areas, and checkerboard flooring in the refreshment zones.

The art of multi-tasking

An extension at the rear of the building was constructed by RISE while the fit out of the interior was taking place. With two projects running simultaneously, we needed to ensure that everything ran smoothly. Our consistent communication with the client team and project partners meant we were able to agree on solutions to any issues as and when they arose.

A new lease of life

We are proud to have created a new shared workspace that is as practical as it is beautiful. The Generator Building has been sensitively updated, with many of its original features retained and reimagined. With so much business potential in the centre of Bristol, Castleforge’s latest addition to its Clockwise portfolio will be the perfect place for the city’s next generation of professionals to work, share and flourish.

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