OFFICE SPACE
Cambridge House (top right) and more space-themed coolness at Rocketmakers
SOMETHING SIMILARLY COOL was created when Clarendon Business Centres moved into an old office building on Henry Street, near Manvers Street Car Park and usefully close to the train station, completely renovating it to provide 55 individual private offices. “It’s no secret that Bath has long been lacking in office space, let alone that of grade A quality,” says centre manager Tom Endacott, “so our vision for Cambridge House was of a luxurious 5-star boutique hotel. Far from corporate and drab, there are pockets of quirky flair all over the building. Each floor has its own shape theme, with 3D wall sculptures, art pieces and uniquely decorated private phone booths following that theme on every floor.” Indeed, the whole thing has a polished, futuristic feel; you walk in from 19th century Georgian streets to a little piece of the 22nd century. There are breakout areas throughout, and even a roof terrace. “We’ve purposely kept the design of the individual private offices unbranded, clean and simple, providing a blank canvas for each business to do with as they will. We’ll even arrange for a handyman to come along and help!” Tom’s personal favourite part is the roof terrace, not just a popular lunchtime spot but also sure to wow guests. “It’s perfect for getting a bit of fresh air or much-needed recalibration of the mind during a lunchtime mindfulness session,” Tom says, “or simply to host an informal meeting with a view.” For more, www.rocketmakers.com, www.edit.co.uk, www.spacing.com, www.clarendonbc.co.uk
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FULLY FURNISHED
Elm Workspace is behind many of Bath’s cool offices Want a great office yourself? Elm Workspace can help, supplying furniture from leading UK manufacturers, plus an in-house design team. “Even a small shift in wellbeing can have a dramatic impact on productivity,” says their Richard Hofen. “Great offices make people more engaged, happy and healthy. It seems like common sense.” A shift they’ve seen lately is the move away from individual desks towards a more collaborative environment. “Businesses might supply seven desks for every 10 staff,” he says. “There’s more openplan working, breakout spaces, even sleep rooms.” Ah, sleep rooms. Now there’s a thought… For more, www.elmworkspace.com