Bovington Tank Museum
Footprint Architects were entrusted with redesigning staff office facilities at Bovington Tank Museum, a site steeped in military history. The project replaced the outdated mezzanine, which had reached the end of its functional lifespan, transforming the workspace to better meet contemporary needs. The redesign introduced modern office solutions, including new meeting rooms, restrooms, a staff kitchen, updated mechanical and electrical systems, and a complete redecoration.
Key objectives included enhancing staff comfort and well-being by increasing natural daylight through new windows and rooflights, as well as integrating Windcatchers for effective natural ventilation. This thoughtful refurbishment established a more productive and enjoyable working environment.
Sustainability
The refurbishment successfully transformed a poorly performing space into an optimised, functional facility. Extending and upgrading non-functional areas reduced environmental impact and improved overall efficiency.
Context & Place
By paying homage to the building’s military heritage, the renovation maintains a seamless connection to the immersive atmosphere of the museum’s exhibitions.
People & Communities
Through intelligent design, the new workspace promotes staff well-being and elevates their day-to-day experiences, ensuring a high-quality working environment for museum employees.
Designing a Sustainable Refurbishment
Sustainability lies at the heart of Footprint Architects’ philosophy. Choosing refurbishment over demolition reduced the project’s carbon footprint while ensuring the space was reimagined for maximum efficiency and usability.
The outdated mezzanine was replaced and extended to include new spaces such as meeting rooms, WCs, and a fully equipped kitchen. Modern mechanical and electrical systems were installed, alongside careful redecoration to enhance functionality. To support sustainability and improve occupant well-being, additional windows and rooflights brought natural light into the space, complemented by Windcatchers to provide natural ventilation.
Honouring Heritage through Restoration
The new mezzanine design was built around an existing tank which created a challenging constraint in this live constructed site. The team collaborated throughout the projevt to ensure the design concept could be realised with compromising safty throughout the build.
The white rendered walls of the new mezzanine structure create a clean modern appearance floating within the double height space of the main tank hall at the museum. The striking form is fitting to the scale of the hall without competing with the exhibits that take centre.
Meeting Community Needs
Understanding the importance of accessibility and engagement, the project incorporated design features to enhance the visitor and staff experience. A bright yellow flooring strip defined circulation pathways, referencing the ‘safety yellow’ flooring from industrial settings, tying it visually to the museum’s exhibition spaces.
Signage used the 1920s Ministry of Information typeface to reflect the museum’s historical era, ensuring spaces remained clearly defined while embracing period authenticity. Through strategic placement of amenities and thoughtful design, the office environment fosters employee connectivity and supports productive collaboration.
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