So proud to be shortlisted for a BIID award
We could not be more thrilled to share the news that we have been shortlisted for the 2023 BIID Southeast award for our Brook Hall project at Charterhouse School. A real labour of love venture for us: a full interior design service for a very special workplace and client.
The partly Grade II listed building in Godalming Surrey is steeped in history and traditions, with Brooke Hall serving as the teacher’s common room at the school. We were so proud to be commissioned for this incredibly unique project: to redesign and sympathetically transform the tired interior into a modern communal work and social space for all the staff members.
We worked collaboratively with the school to really understand their needs, how they wanted to use the space, and ultimately how staff wanted to feel in the repurposed area. Our shared vision was to create a welcoming and homely environment for all employees to enjoy working and socialising in together. Aesthetically, our aim was to blend the architectural features of the listed section of the building with the 1970s extension as seamlessly as possible. As the majority of teaching staff live on campus, this space is truly vital to their wellbeing and the wider school community.
A real gem is the garden which wraps around Brooke Hall, but this was previously never used. Our new concept incorporated this treasure, creating a considered space inside and out for the staff to enjoy daily, as well as providing a new area to host social events. We loved using the space to tell the story of Charterhouse’s heritage whilst simultaneously making the staff’s everyday that bit more special.
The colour scheme was inspired by the surrounding gardens to produce a natural and layered aesthetic. Furniture was hand selected to appear homely and to reflect the architectural style, whilst also manufactured to commercial grade to withstand daily use.
Considering the sustainability of the space, we partnered with local tradespeople hand-picked by our client to upgrade the building’s energy efficiency and chose high quality furnishings built to last. Ever passionate about the importance of biophilic design, we ensured that we included a variety of indoor plants in all areas and enhanced the view and access into the garden. Our aim was to create a positive impact on stress levels, air quality and boost productivity in this workspace.
We are very proud that our clients are so happy with the positive social benefits the new interior and exterior has had on the wellbeing of all staff members. They now have a multi-functional collaborative space for everyone to enjoy and the garden is used regularly. The welcoming environment helps to attract and retain staff which is of great benefit to the whole school. But most importantly, the space is helping to grow the sense of community within Charterhouse – a true testament to the importance of a good design and genuine collaborative ethos.
Best wishes from Nikki
