Commercial Architecture
On behalf of Creo Comms, BDN provided architectural services for the office refurbishment of Sunderland based marketing and communications firm’s new Head Office. The Grade II listed Victorian House is located on Foyle Street, in the Sunniside Conservation area of Sunderland. Sunniside is a sub-area of Sunderland City Centre with distinctive character, housing classically styled historic terraces, with a uniform colour scheme in all properties.
During the 20th Century the building had been poorly adapted to office use, with the introduction of modern partitions and suspended ceilings. The client had a clear ambition to create a contemporary office space within the historic listed building.
BDN submitted a planning application and associated heritage statement for internal and external alterations, sensitively restoring and improving the fabric of the unoccupied building to create a comfortable working environment. The designs introduced new heating and electrics, restoring the interiors and working with original features which were considered to be of architectural and heritage value, contributing to the overall character typical of the Victorian property.
BDN’s architectural design revealed and celebrated the previously concealed grand-scale Victorian spaces and interior features, whilst integrating the necessary M+E fittings and finishes required of a contemporary, open plan office space.
The refurbishments of Foyle Street have given the listed building a sustainable office use into the future, as well as allowing for the conservation of a heritage asset for years to come.