County Hall

Location
Trowbridge
Client
Wiltshire Council
Value
£20m
Completion
Phase 1: 2012 / Phase 2: 2013
Size
18,600sqm
BREEAM Rating
'Excellent'

Bringing a touch of sustainability to local government buildings

County Hall, Trowbridge was a 1930s civic building with a tired 1970s office extension. Our refurbishment and part new-build scheme transformed it into a substantial public services hub, providing 18,600sqm of modern open-plan office space for 1,500 Wiltshire Council employees.

The introduction of a new ETFE inflated roof to an existing, underutilised external courtyard creates a vibrant internal public space overlooked by the open plan office above. The new courtyard houses a coffee bar, main reception, information points, exhibition area and seating. The remaining sides of the courtyard open up to a new public library, dining area, registry services and meeting rooms.

 

Light, airy and energy efficient

An underfloor plenum provides displacement ventilation to the atrium via floor grilles and vents in fixed furniture. A new three-storey link between the existing County Hall and 1970s extension forms one side of the courtyard and accommodates a new main public entrance, lifts and stairs, and cantilevered meeting rooms to upper floors.

We have used copper mesh and dichroic colour-changing glass for added effect. We achieved a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by thermal upgrades to the walls and roof, replacement glazing and a comprehensive services overhaul. BREEAM ‘Excellent’ is also anticipated, which would be a significant achievement for a refurbishment scheme.

Video courtesy of Wiltshire Council


New signage and way-finding system for the first phase of the refurbishment of County Hall, Trowbridge for Wiltshire Council.

Stride Treglown Graphic Design developed signage and way-finding that compliments the colour themed interior layout of each of the floors. Wiltshire landmarks and place names provide a connection between the surroundings and the people the employees serve. Large scale, three dimensional, location signage is used in the public areas.

Painted blocks of bold colour overlaid with white text on specific columns and walls within the new central lending library, differentiate the various sections and create an effective navigation system. The scheme encompasses external and internal manifestation, direction and location signage with large scale wall graphics.