Guildhall Chambers
The Overview
Shape Studio worked with Guildhall Chambers for 5 years to redevelop and totally reimagine their working practice and space. Following the pandemic a clear change was needed along with the desire to bring everyone back under one roof after many years separate on two sites at either end of Broad Street in Bristol’s Old City. We unveiled a Grade II listed building that had been hidden by suspended ceilings, carved into small office spaces with harsh lighting celebrating the heritage of the building whilst combining a bright, open plan office environment with additional purpose built spaces for the Barristers and staff.
Shape have completed all of the architectural and building works in a new co-working and common room space for the Guildhall Chambers. Working with the original elements of the building, including original cornices, lath and plaster walls and heritage elements throughout the space Shape opened up the offices to create new spaces that are fit for the needs of modern legal practice. Completing the joinery work alongside the main build means Shape are able to make everything work together and function as a whole.
The design has been professionally and beautifully brought to life, and the quality of craftsmanship is outstanding. We unhesitatingly recommend Shape.
Heritage details
Working with a building of this age always comes with challenges but can lead to some amazing results. Balancing the old and new means that we have a building that reflects the history of Guildhall Chambers, whilst allowing them to move into a new chapter in their story. The building maintains its impressive facade, including the original clock, heritage doors and panelling, and structure with an entirely new interior, reconfigured around the listed elements of the building.
Materials were interwoven to carefully accentuate a heritage interior with a contemporary purpose. Walnut and brass create an impressive visual for the main entranceway and the Barrister’s working areas. These were paired with composites; Foresso, Forbo and Richlite, chosen to complement a rich and refined aesthetic.
The Common Room called for a more relaxed atmosphere. We introduced a distinct palette of burnt oranges with oak veneer and speckled Durat to differentiate this enjoyable break out space.
