The scope of works included updating, and repairs to the building exterior, which involved replacement windows, guttering, fascias, soffits and painting the existing render. Work to the car park included the installation of EV charging points. On arrival, employees, clients and visitors are welcomed to the building with a newly painted exterior, which includes a cheerful shade of green applied to the external cladding. This colour is taken into the entrance lobby and continued on to the banisters to the first floor to provide continuity.
Building work to the interior also involved the enlargement of the rear access point, which serves as an additional accessible entrance from the rear car park and adjoins the kitchen. This area has been opened up to create a light and airy staff recreation facility and spacious breakout space for the team and visiting partners. Alterations in the lobby area included the demolition of a previous store creating a larger and more accessible reception area.
Additional meeting rooms have been created on the ground floor using acoustic partitioning and fire rated doors with vision panels. Due to the sensitive nature of client meetings, additional sound proofing has been extended into the ceiling space to ensure absolute privacy and confidentiality. This also provides a space for visitors and staff who are neurodiverse to avoid noise and brighter light levels of the more busy areas of the building.
First floor building work included the removal of partition walls to create a larger workspace area and the creation of a teapoint for first floor staff. Adjacent to this, space previously used as a kitchen area, has been reconfigured to create an accessible toilet and shower room.
Interior decoration throughout the building includes fresh paint to all walls with a palette of primary colours introduced to create ‘feature’ walls in the office spaces, meeting rooms and common areas. Wall graphics have been applied in the main meeting room to provide a point of interest. The use of primary colour and wall graphics extends to the reception and breakout area creating a welcoming and bright space as staff and visitors arrive in the building. Subtle and softer tones have been used in the consultation rooms to set the right tone for the client consultation rooms creating a peaceful and calm environment.
Bespa were delighted to work with, and be involved in the creation of an inclusive and uplifting new home for Second Step, supporting the team in the invaluable work they do for the local community.
