An office fit out for a flexible generation of working

When Castleforge’s subsidiary company Clockwise were looking to create a new shared working space in the heart of Leeds, we knew we had to deliver our best. Clockwise has a reputation for providing unique and sophisticated office accommodation for its members across the country. Working with this in mind, we delivered a fit out of the previously disused Yorkshire House.

Project partners

  • Quartz Project Services
  • Morey Smith
  • Lehding Services Design
  • Assent Building Control
  • MJ Mapp

Project description

We created the Clockwise Club Lounge and office space to serve as a central hub in the building. The Club Lounge is the place to be. It’s a space where members can work in the secluded comfort of plush sofa booths or simply grab a coffee and a bite to eat at Clockwise’s artisan café, Two Hands.

Designed to complement the architectural profile of the building’s industrial exterior, the new terrace is a stylish space to relax, dine and enjoy breathtaking views of the historic Leeds skyline. Furnished with minimalist-style tables and chairs, a sleek black balustrade and plenty of plants, the terrace adds a touch of drama to the building without overshadowing its original features.

Office space to suit all working styles

As the refurbishment continued throughout the building we created more working spaces. The top three floors are occupied by dynamic offices featuring a variety of private meeting rooms, collaborative areas, and hot desks. Each floor is serviced by stylish refreshment zones complete with kitchenettes and lounge and dining areas.

Fresh clockwise-style fit out

In true Clockwise-style, we wanted the new office accommodation to feel fresh and vibrant to inspire creativity and productivity. Exposed ceilings and bright pendant lights running across all floors create a sense of space and connectedness with the rest of the building. Elsewhere, bold accents of colour appear in feature tiled walls and contemporary artwork; and all fittings, fixtures and furnishings have been selected with a distinctive style in mind.

Challenging office works

Refurbishing a 1930s building can throw up its fair share of challenges. Almost as soon as the works began we discovered asbestos which needed to be removed. The severe, utilitarian style of the building also meant that certain alterations needed to be made to the design and construction to ensure it worked cohesively in the space. Communication with the client and architects was paramount as we navigated the project together.

Certain major updates to the building were essential. We installed new M&E services and a plant room in the basement. We also gave the toilets a makeover and fitted new showering facilities for staff and members. The building’s existing passenger lifts were out of use, so we replaced them to ensure safe and easy movement throughout the building.

Inspiring a future of workplace collaboration

We are proud to have helped transform an old, disused building into a new, inspiring working environment in the heart of one of the UK’s fastest developing cities; a place Clockwise’s members will thrive in for years to come.

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