June 17, 2022

Co-Space, Stevenage.

Project Summary:

Location: Stevenage
Sector: Office
Client: Co-Space
Interior Designer: Waistcoat & Badger
Main Contractor: Form Fit Out
Electrical Contractor: SSE Commercial
Value: £44K
Duration: 4 months
Size: 16,000 sq. ft
Photography: Co-Space

"When we set out to create the concept for what became Co-Space Stevenage we turned to 299 to help us create a lighting scheme that complimented the overall development and worked with some of the key features of the building. 299 we’re able to work with our proposed scheme and help guide our design team through the lifecycle of the project."

William Stokes, Co-Founder and CEO

 


Delivering office lighting for co-working spaces is what we enjoy most at 299, specially when a scheme is as design-led as the Co-Space locations. The latest addition to the fast growing network of trendy Co-Space workspaces successfully opened its doors in September 2021. Following Co-Space’s philosophy of picking locations in under-performing retail stores and transforming them into design-led coworking spaces, the latest opening is situated at 25 Town Square in Stevenage. The Town Square plays a huge part of the major 20-year regeneration programme worth £1bn, transforming Stevenage into an attractive location for business. 

Offering approximately 16,000 sq. ft of contemporary ready to occupy flexible serviced office accommodation with great amenities, Co-Space in Stevenage is set to attract start-ups, SME and established businesses alike.

Arranged over two floors, and a ground floor entrance, the contemporary CAT A+ refurbishment scheme was designed by the interior designer practice Waistcoat & Badger and fitted by Form Fit out. After the great success of the Reading location, Waistcoat & Badger were tasked with transforming the un-inspiring retail space into a desirable ready to occupy work space.

Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.

Following a successful project delivery of the Co-Space Reading location, we have been approached directly by the client in October 2020. We were tasked with a full lighting design for the entire space. Working closely with the designer and client, we supported this project with site visits followed by lighting design and calculations, ensuring correct office and architectural lighting was specified and supplied. The scheme was set to achieve the current CIBSE Code for Lighting.

Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.

THE DESIGN BRIEF.

Working with the existing fabric of the building and bringing out the original features was the main part of the design brief of this project. The brickwork at Co-Space Stevenage dates back to1957 and the space boasts a generous ceiling height between 3.1 to 3.7m in certain areas. The client’s desire was to create a design-led, ergonomic space. The designers took inspiration from raw materials, contrasting textures and history.

The design objective was to create a visually attractive contemporary CAT A+ workspace that would not feel like a typical office.


The site is positioned on the 1st and 2nd floor of the old West Gate shopping centre. The entrance to the Co-Space was a former Ladbrokes betting shop, transformed into a contemporary 3 story atrium. Featuring the original brick wall framed in plasterboard with the key historical milestones in Stevenage, the entrance is a welcoming space setting the right tone for the beautifully designed space upstairs.

Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.

Ground Floor

Suspended linear profiles Clyde were used to light the entrance space. Turon bulkheads and Cinca circular downlights were used to light the back of the house areas including the bike store, WC and plant room.

Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.

First and Second Floor

When entering the first floor, you are greeted with a large open space. The layout of the first floor consists of the reception area, communal spaces, meeting rooms, event space and private offices. Fitted with rustic wooden floors, contemporary Crittall glass partitioning and one off furniture pieces, the attractive co working space in Stevenage has varied ceiling height ranging from 3100 mm to 3750 mm. The entire space is naturally lit with large floor to ceiling windows, creating a positive, productive and airy atmosphere.

Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.
Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.
Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.
Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.
 

In the reception area, breakout spaces and communal areas,  the interior designers used a mix of decorative lighting  and industrial looking architectural LED downlight Moy. Combined with scattered biophilia and wooden furnishing, it gives the space a high end boutique hotel feel. The Moy suspended was used as the main luminaire to provide general lighting. Suspended and fixed onto the cable trays, the Moy is flexible and works well with exposed ceilings.

Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.

Above the staircase, Bellart suspended pendants were used to create a visual interest and produce a soft ambient lighting. In the impressively long corridor framing the individual offices, the linear profile Clyde suspended was used in a regular pattern. The Clyde suspended profiles  are installed below the cable trays, surrounded by a lush greenery, creating a visually strong sense of arrival.

Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.
 

The individual offices and the event space are also lit by the linear profile Clyde. The minimalist suspension kit of the Clyde works well with the exposed beams running across the offices. The same linear lighting was used throughout the entire scheme to keep the design consistent. The Clyde is our first Made in Britain certified linear profile and is a great linear lighting for schemes looking at using sustainable products. Fitted with micro prismatic diffusers, the Clyde offers comfortable lighting for the user. The layout of the second floor is almost identical to the first floor.

All lighting was supplied in a contemporary white finish, equipped with DALI dimmable system and integrated emergency modules. Stand alone emergency lighting was also supplied.

Office Lighting for a co-working space at Co-Space, Stevenage.
 

The project was completed in time for the grand opening on the 3rd September 2021. The final result is a unique contemporary CAT A scheme flooded with natural light, providing a comfortable place to work and thrive. We are already excited to be working on the coming Co-Space in Bath.


Project in figures:

15 Hours of Lighting Design

75 Moy Surface Mounted LED Downlights

2 Site Visits to Stevenage

Working on a unique or listed building project and need assistance?

Our team has the experience and expertise to help you every step of the way.

Working on a unique or listed building project and need assistance?

Our team has the experience and expertise to help you every step of the way.