Breakspear Park

Location: Hemel Hampstead

Client: Praxis 258 Breakspear Park Ltd

Sector: Commercial

Cost: confidential

Status: Completed

Team

Services Consultant: The Anslow Partnership (TAP)

Acoustic Consultants: Temple Group

Catering Consultant: Neller Davies

Breakspear Park, in Hemel Hempstead, is a multi tenanted office complex with a net area of 215,300 sq ft.

In March 2024, Marks Barfield Architects were commissioned by 258 Investments and Praxis 258 Breakspear Park Ltd. to undertake the following tasks:

  • RIBA Stages 1-4 to upgrade the CAT-A design for Office Suites 1C and 1D and set an exemplar specification for a new workplace identity. 
  • RIBA Stages 1-2 design for the Reception and Atrium and landlord controlled social spaces with biophilic and acoustic enhancements 
  • RIBA Stage 1 feasibility study for the site Masterplan to bring back a campus and park healthy atmosphere

The design principles aimed at enhancing the rentability of the space were:

  • Identity: Establish a modernist identity through exposure of existing concrete coffered soffit and services
  • Flexibility: Providing for a variety of CAT B fit-out solutions.
  • Sufficiency: Utilise minimal materials required to achieve the project aims, minimising waste and embodied carbon.
  • Wellbeing: Improve the wellbeing of occupants through biophilic design, natural daylight, long views out, thermal comfort and fresh air quality
  • Airy: Maximise the floor-to-ceiling height
 

The primary objective was to improve the achievable rent and give the existing and future occupants a better offer making a healthy social and desirable workplace. Our technical design focused on two office suites and the intent to implement the concept across the entire building as tenants leases expire. The Cat A design includes:

  • Fully exposed concrete coffered slab creating a lofty interior with over 3m clear heights
  • Exposed articulated services with insulated aluminium ductwork  (allowing Cat B acoustic rafts)
  • Accessible perimeter bulkhead to hide VRF duct connections through the external facade for fresh air intake
  • All high level services carefully set out for greatest flexibility for the Cat B fitout