An interior fit-out of a learning commons, café and accommodation office at the Unvieristy of Bath, utilising an industrial asethetic with exposed services and carefully coordinated details.
Studio Lime provided executive architectural services for the detailed technical design and construction stages of the interior fit-out of a new learning commons, cafe and accommodation office at the University of Bath. The project comprised a learning commons, café, and accommodation office.
Working for main contractor Bray and Slaughter, we developed and coordinated the construction packages based on the original concept design by Stride Treglown. A key aspect of our role was developing the proposals for further discussion with the end users. This involved sourcing physical samples for mood boards and creating internal visuals to better communicate the proposals.
The learning commons was divided into two distinct zones. One area was designed as a focused study and learning space, intended for independent use separate from the café. This space included facilities for students to prepare drinks and heat their own food, supporting flexible study. The second area functioned as a café dining space, featuring a front-facing servery and a fully equipped back-of-house commercial kitchen with pot wash area.
In both zones, the ceiling design played a crucial role in defining the interior character. Exposed services and acoustic ceiling rafts and baffles were carefully coordinated to avoid clashes and establish a rhythmic visual language. We collaborated closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to define service distribution zones, ensuring the smooth installation of the feature ceiling on site.
The accommodation office included a welcoming reception and waiting area, a private meeting room for confidential discussions, and an open-plan workspace for eight staff. Additional amenities included a tea point, breakout room, and a dedicated single-person office for focused work.
