B&Q, Torquay

Simple, refined and honest

This 60,000ft2 retail warehouse was designed to be clean, crisp, legible to customers and appropriate for the bulky goods on sale. As such, a simple light grey volume sat on a brick plinth with large glazed entrance and exit lobbies was designed.

This was then articulated externally with panels of metal mesh, which would be illuminated at night to provide visual interest to the building. Internally, the sales floor was completely open to allow maximum flexibility for the tenant and adapt to their changing needs over time. A mezzanine level was also provided to house the staff areas and offices.