The facts
Client: C H
Pearce Construction Ltd
Location: Portsmouth
Services: Architecture, Interior
Design, Space Planning
Sector: Defence
Contract Type: Design &
Build
Project Value: £16m
Start/Completion: 2002 - 2004
The project
The project entails the strategic
relocation of the Royal Navy Fleet Headquarters to its historic
base in Portsmouth. It is to be located on the south west corner of
Whale Island, home of HMS Excellent.
The building is a five storey rectangular
office building of which the majority will be of open plan design
with some cellular spaces designed to accommodate 850 staff. There
is also a rotunda office attached to the south face, of which the
fourth floor provides a covered terrace.
The building lies on a north south axis
commanding strategic view over the coastal region and the adjacent
historic dockyard. The main entrance is from a circular plaza and
features a link bridge to the north of the building and enters at
first floor level. A secondary entrance is provided at the south at
ground floor level which links with the north via a central feature
staircase.
The office is predominantly split into two
wings, east and west, divided by full height central atria which
the offices open up on. The atria itself has full height curtain
walling to each end and north lights to its entire length. Vertical
circulation is via a central stair and lift core with two secondary
staircases to either end.
Capita Architecture was project architect with
a full interior design and space planning service.
The client’s brief called for a contemporary
approach to environmental design and space planning. The office
interior is split into two wings, east and west, which are divided
by a full height atrium. The workspace is predominantly open plan,
with meetings rooms, staff rest areas and seminar spaces being
provided as cellular accommodation. This allows for great
flexibility and will accommodate staff growth. The workspace is
also punctuated by social, breakout areas that can be used to
encourage informal meetings or by staff, during rest periods.
Natural light and displacement ventilation are
supplied abundantly via extensive glazing to the perimeter of
building and at high level in the atrium. The floor plates open
directly onto the Atrium, at all levels, allowing for a generous
transition of light and good air flow. Visual connection between
floors and offices help to generate a community feel and improve
communication between staff groups and sectors.