The clients wanted to refurbish their office and retail shop in this Grade II listed Georgian building. The space is uninspiring, poorly lit and difficult for people to find their way around. The retail displays are twee and tacky; the look and feel is of a council office.
For this challenge, Style Within assembled its partners with specific expertise in retail design, listed building consent, council planning approval and shopfitting. CGI visuals were also produced to assist the client in understanding the main elements of the design proposal and refurbishment.
For this challenge, Style Within assembled its partners with specific expertise in retail design, listed building consent, council planning approval and shopfitting. CGI visuals were also produced to assist the client in understanding the main elements of the design proposal and refurbishment.
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Style Within
25 Rockliffe Rd, Bath, Somerset, BA2 6QW
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Interior Designers in Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Avon & Wiltshire.
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With disabled access provided at street level through a side door, the focus on the main door was to introduce a space-saving automatic system. Levelling the floor meant introducing an extra 2 steps in the lobby, but this was far outweighed by the entire space then being on one level.
We proposed and found a supplier for a virtual queue management ticket system which would allow visitors to browse the retail space whilst waiting for their number to be called. Flat information screens around the space not only promoted local businesses (accommodation, restaurants, attractions, events) they also showed ticket progress through the virtual queue around the edge of the screen. The queue system would distribute waiting visitors through the entire space; any queue formation in the immediate vicinity of the main counter would be minimised, allowing placement of impulse purchase retail stands nearby. The queue ticket system also captures management data on the services selected by visitors.
We proposed and found a supplier for a virtual queue management ticket system which would allow visitors to browse the retail space whilst waiting for their number to be called. Flat information screens around the space not only promoted local businesses (accommodation, restaurants, attractions, events) they also showed ticket progress through the virtual queue around the edge of the screen. The queue system would distribute waiting visitors through the entire space; any queue formation in the immediate vicinity of the main counter would be minimised, allowing placement of impulse purchase retail stands nearby. The queue ticket system also captures management data on the services selected by visitors.
The brief also included a makeover for the board room to create an attractive space for more regular use and for hire by local businesses and organisations. Currently it is drab, uninspiring and in need of refurbishment. Style Within took this opportunity to provide a more funky, yet practical and stylish design which the directors felt would attract others to hold meetings and other functions. All furniture, lighting and other features have been specified in detail.
LED lighting has developed significantly over the last few years and is now capable of delivering ambient and task lighting in a commercial setting, as well as feature lighting. Whilst incurring a higher acquisition price, the long-term cost of LEDs is very attractive to businesses, with a favourable Return on Investment. LEDs also boost an organisation’s environmental credentials.
In this design LED downlighters with emergency capability were recessed in the coffered ceiling, along with modern, flush-mounted, cassette air-conditioners. The lighting design was computer-modelled to ensure the correct lux levels throughout the space. Flexible tracked spotlights also illuminated specific features and the whole look and feel was improved dramatically as a working environment and for those using the centre.
In this design LED downlighters with emergency capability were recessed in the coffered ceiling, along with modern, flush-mounted, cassette air-conditioners. The lighting design was computer-modelled to ensure the correct lux levels throughout the space. Flexible tracked spotlights also illuminated specific features and the whole look and feel was improved dramatically as a working environment and for those using the centre.
A space-efficient, automatic door was proposed to negate the existing door swing onto the floor-plate. It would also reduce the size of the glass lobby which interfered significantly with easy flow around the space. Many “unique” features were also proposed for this scheme, including slat walls and roller blinds printed with images of local attractions. A small area was also set aside for resting on 2 tub chairs and space for pushchairs.
We worked with the client’s brand guidelines and proposed internal signage and graphics accordingly. This also included designs for exterior paint finish, signage, advertising and window display.
Adopting cutting edge retail design principles, displays were proposed that integrated information with retail sales. A mix of attractive displays including shelves, gondolas, bookcases, racks, bins, and mannequins would create an inspiring retail space. This, coupled with the virtual queuing system, maximised the opportunity to increase retail revenue.
Equality Act (better known as DDA) lower level counter points were designed for both the main and retail counters. Two hearing loops were also to be installed. The virtual queuing system displays were fixed to the pelmet above the main counter with flat screens around the space keeping visitors informed of their position in the queue. This minimises stress for all concerned and allows waiting time to be used constructively, maximising the opportunity for sales and impulse purchases. For staff, the counter was integrated with cable management and many power points were provided for terminals and cash tills.
This visual shows the bookshop feel created for one corner of the retail space. Low energy fluorescent tubes illuminate the original ceiling and oak-veneered bookcases are highlighted by LED spotlights.
The space currently fulfils three functions: as a source of information for visitors, as a retail space for gifts and also a working back-office. Style Within took briefs from directors and staff to derive an optimised design. We created a practical and stylish interior scheme with clear signage for visitors, plenty of display space for retail sales and several improvements for wheelchairs and access for others with special needs. It also presented an impressive environment for local businesses to market their services and attractions.
The bespoke reception and sales counters were to provide an immediate welcome for customers. Levelling the floor, improving the lighting and introducing high-tech features would make this shop and office a delight for staff to work in and for customers to visit. The design was also consistent with the company’s corporate identity, image, and strong brand.
The bespoke reception and sales counters were to provide an immediate welcome for customers. Levelling the floor, improving the lighting and introducing high-tech features would make this shop and office a delight for staff to work in and for customers to visit. The design was also consistent with the company’s corporate identity, image, and strong brand.