DKA were commissioned in early 2019 to design a new headquarter facility for a Bristol-based family-run specialist logistics company on the Vertex Park in Emersons Green, Bristol. The Client’s site was part of a new employment area being developed as part of the Lyde Green East Masterplan. The lack of space for expansion at their existing facility had restrained their business growth. They were also committed to staff welfare and satisfaction, and therefore aspired to improve the working environment for its personnel.
Light Industrial Unit
New headquarters allows for business growth of family-run specialist logistics company
“ ‘I would like you to mention DKA as the primary design architects whom initially took my ‘in head ‘ design thoughts and relayed accurately into the building we have.’ ”
The prospect of purchasing and developing a site was a bit daunting for the Client, however DKA worked with them to develop a brief, a vision and design (up to RIBA Stage 3) for their new headquarter. We submitted a planning application in early January 2020, but due to Covid-related delays this was only granted in August 2020. The Client appointed a local contractor on a D&B basis in autumn 2020, with the works completed in August 2021.
The proposed building provides for a head office facility and internal storage for HGV trailers. The design is a two-storey building with double-height HGV storage bays and HGV washdown bays to the one side and a two-storey reception, office facilities and staff amenities to the other. The remaining site is a combination of intensive landscaping, swales for drainage, and a 3580m² yard to accommodate 13no articulated lorries, 15no vans and 20no staff / visitor parking.
