---

The County Hall in Trowbridge, UK has received the British Council for Offices (BCO) award for the refurbished / recycled workplace.

---

The £20 million ($30.74 million) refurbishment project includes the transformation of the 1930's County Hall building, along with a tired 1970's extension, into a substantial office and public services 'hub.'

Taking care of the needs of 1,800 Wiltshire Council employees, the refurbishment project has provided 200,000 square feet of modern open plan working environment.

The project also introduced a new ETFE inflated roof to an existing underutilised external courtyard, which creates a vibrant new internal public space overlooked by the open plan office above. The new courtyard houses a coffee bar, main reception, information points, exhibition area and seating. The remaining sides of the courtyard are opened up to a new public library, dining area, registry services and meeting rooms.

Apart from that the refurbished county hall features an underfloor plenum, which provides displacement ventilation to the atrium via floor grilles and vents in fixed furniture. A new three-storey link between the existing County Hall and 1970s extension forms one side of the courtyard and accommodates a new main public entrance, lifts and stairs, and cantilevered meeting rooms to upper floors. For added effect, copper mesh and dichroic colour-changing glass have been used.

The scheme also included thermal upgrades to the walls and roof, replacement glazing, and a comprehensive services overhaul, which resulted in 40% reduction in carbon emissions. The design has achieved a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating.

The British Council for Offices' (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector.