The Old Bakery Office Restoration
Located in the heart of Bournemouth, The Old Bakery is a two-storey historic building that has been revitalised after 50 years of disuse as a department store storeroom. As part of the ongoing Bobby & Co project, Footprint Architects were appointed to restore and convert this cherished building into an independent office space, ensuring the character and history of the site were preserved.
Sustainability
The adaptive reuse of a historic bakery reduces the need for new construction, preserving both resources and the character of the building.
A Sensitive Historic Restoration
Specialising in heritage building refurbishments, our team took a minimal touch approach to this restoration. This ensured the historic fabric of the building was retained and celebrated, preserving its unique identity. Careful measures included:
- Roof insulation installed above the original ceiling, maintaining the exposed “bakery charred” timber beams.
- The refurbishment of the original dumbwaiter, revealing the intricate steel mechanisms of the past.
- Retention and repair of terrazzo flooring, which was complemented with new terrazzo tiles where necessary.
- Replacement of windows with thermally efficient heritage products to modernize the building while staying true to its original design.
- Exposed brickwork, which was sealed to preserve its character and protect the building’s historical integrity.
Designing a Unique and Uplifting Office Environment
The conversion of The Old Bakery focused on creating a workspace that respects its historical features while delivering a functional, modern office. The design emphasises simplicity and flexibility, offering an adaptable workspace that balances heritage and practicality.
Key design features include:
- Maximisation of natural light to create a welcoming and healthy working environment.
- The integration of original features, such as the dumbwaiter and terrazzo flooring, to inspire a connection to the building’s history.
- Open-plan layouts that allow the space to evolve for future use, encouraging collaboration and creativity.
This approach not only meets the demands of today’s office spaces but also ensures the longevity of the historic building.
Context & Place
The sensitive restoration of The Old Bakery rejuvenates a historic site in central Bournemouth, reconnecting it with the community. After being a vacant space, it allows local tenants the opportunity to work in bournemouth town centre, reviving its possibilities.
Incorporating Sustainable Solutions into a Historic Office Conversion
The restoration of The Old Bakery embodies sustainable design principles, prioritising the reuse of existing materials and features over new construction. By preserving and upgrading the original structure, the project minimised its environmental impact while bringing new purpose to a historic building.
Sustainability highlights include:
- Improved thermal performance through roof insulation and heritage window replacements.
- Retention of existing building materials, reducing construction waste.
- Adaptive reuse of a disused building, reducing the need for new development.
- The careful balance between heritage conservation and sustainable upgrades ensures that the building contributes positively to its environment while maintaining its historical significance.
People & Communities
The conversion provides a vibrant, uplifting workspace that celebrates its industrial heritage while meeting the demands of modern office users.
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Get Your Project Off The Ground
Get in touch today to kick-start your project. Let us know a few details and we’ll be in touch to discuss bringing your vision to life.
