ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´vlog

ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´vlog projects took home an impressive four award at last night's BCO National Award ceremony. The awards, for which we are a headline sponsor, took place on Tuesday 3 October 2023, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

With five of ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´vlog's projects up for a number of categories, from The Kensington Building for AshbyCapital and DIAGEO 1HQ, both in London; Project Grant, Glasgow, for a multinational banking client, Sycamore House in Stevenage for Kadans Science Partner; and the TJX Watford Campus, it proved to be a successful night with key wins across the 'Corporate Workplace', â€˜Refurbished/Recycled Workplace’ and â€˜Fit Out of Workplace’ categories.

'Best of the Best'

Following up on the impressive three regional awards in the ‘Corporate Workplace’, ‘Innovation’ and ‘ESG’ categories, Project Grant took home the ‘Corporate Workplace’ accolade, but also won the top prize of the evening, taking home the 'Best of the Best' award. This award is presented to the project which is deemed particularly exemplary and is chosen from all the national winners. This award is a true testimony to the vision shown by the client and project partners.

The Kensington Building and Sycamore House were both shortlisted in the ‘Refurbished/Recycled Workplace’ category, with Sycamore House winning the award on this occasion, whilst DIAGEO 1HQ was the victor in the ‘Fit Out of Workplace’ category. You can read more about our shortlisted projects below.

Congratulations to all the national and regional winners.

The shortlisted projects

The Kensington Building

Situated at 127 Kensington High Street, the project saw our team deliver a complex £53m refurbishment of the former site of the renowned Pontings Department Store. It accommodates commercial space across six floors, with the ground level split with retail space taking up the majority of the floorspace. There is also space for six new stores, alongside the current Boots outlet.

The existing structure was retained and two additional floors were constructed to double the current volume of office space. The team also created a new elevation using an attractive pale white brick and Portland stone, to provide a contemporary and architecturally sympathetic addition to this important London thoroughfare.

DIAGEO 1HQ

1HQ has created an inspiring destination that builds connections between its people, its brands and its customers. Mixing workplace, hospitality and retail experiences, the project supports Diageo’s mission to be a champion for inclusivity and diversity, creating a more sustainable world.

Sycamore House

Located on the Stevenage Bioscience Campus, the innovation hub for life sciences & cell and gene therapy demonstrates the possibilities of breathing new life into existing building stock through retrofit.

"The building was unanimously acclaimed by the judging panel for its transformation from an unused metal shed into a cutting-edge life-science facility. Sub-divisible laboratory and office spaces co-exist with vibrant, communal areas that are served by a café and dramatically planted winter gardens. The overall effect is of a multi-tenanted building that feels light, open and genuinely collaborative, encouraging interaction between neighbouring start-up companies". The BCO Regional Awards Judges 2023

Project Grant, Glasgow

The 500,000 sq. ft. site has transformed a brownfield area into a new city centre park, including indoor and outdoor spaces for community events. A curated space “The Street” has been developed for social enterprises and local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products to the public. Amenities on campus will include wellbeing facilities, community exhibition spaces, along with a street food market offering fresh and healthy food options.

The campus comprises five buildings. Working in partnership with the University of Glasgow, to reflect the rich heritage of the city in their names. Tradescroft, Windmillcroft and Wellcroft are new buildings, and their names reflect the crofting and industrial heritage of the area. Two historic buildings, Clyde Place House and the BECO Building have been restored for public use.

TJX Watford Campus

The project sits in a campus of three buildings, with this c.160,000 sq ft centrepiece linked to the other two refurbished buildings via a bold new bridge, creating a collection of connected villages.

The judges were impressed to see sustainability and employee wellbeing play a defining role in the design and purpose of this outstanding development. Comfortable and eclectic work and social spaces are shaped around the company’s culture, with the building providing flexibility to keep pace with future requirements.