The unique floating office space, which opened its doors last year, has become a focal point of the local community and an inspiration for a creative business.

Andrew, the father of RobotMother – a private company responsible for developing and managing Jubilee Wharf, went to Märraum Architects – chosen for its curious aesthetic drive, strong ethics and experience of Cornish architecture – with a somewhat tricky brief detailing his vision. With sustainability and energy efficiency at its core the space would include maintenance rooms, a mezzanine level and bunking space for visiting bands.

Michael Hormann, Director and Architect at Märraum explains: “Joining the project once construction had already begun, our flexibility and quick thinking was key to seeing the client’s vision through into the design and build. Lending our ears and experience, we walked Andrew through the drawings by a local designer. Before long we had an idea for a new concept for this commercial project, which would take the plans significantly off course – but for the better.

“As floating structures don’t need planning or building regulations, we reveled in the design freedom this landscape presented. However, where there were opportunities there were also challenges – so this had to be a flexible process where we bent to fit what was possible whilst still creating something exceptional.

“It was very important to create a building that would fit into its context. Much of the inspiration came from the location, which I tried to reflect in the space, the atmosphere, and the views of The Barge. Jubilee Wharf itself is a landmark building because of its sustainable construction, as well as its appearance and function.”

Every inch of the 85 x 22ft barge space has been cleverly utilised. The area preceding the hull is a conference room, the adjacent space is used as both a waiting and storage area with the bookcase making up part of the dividing wall above. There is also a kitchenette and the mezzanine level above has even more storage space as well as a private meeting room.

Sustainability was at the heart of all the decision making so materials were chosen that would stand the test of time as well as the harsh maritime climate. Insulation was an important part of the refurbishment as it helps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and working environment as well as helping to keep energy consumption and costs down. The choice of material was paramount in terms of weight as the overall construction weight could not exceed 50 tonnes.

Rigid PIR foam insulation was specified originally, however, the bespoke nature of The Barge’s design would not entertain the roof’s jagged roof line and walls of varying depths. The result would have been gaps in the shell structure causing a serious condensation problem.

Hormann recognised this and switched the specification to BASF WALLTITE at a thickness of 160mm helping the project achieve an impressive U-value of 0.12 W/m²K. WALLTITE can even prolong the building’s life as it protects against premature deterioration of materials. The closed cell polyurethane foam was sprayed directly onto the fibre glass surface following the contours of the walls, ceilings and some of the floor forming the basis of these stunning offices.

Hormann explains: “WALLTITE is a continuous spray foam that is fast to apply and quick to cure, leaving a minimal amount of surface area without insulation. The result is an airtight building envelope of low permeability, without the need for supplementary material.”

A biomass boiler contributes to The Barge’s environmental credentials. Running on logs, pellets or chips the system is connected to the central heating and hot water systems. The carbon dioxide emitted when wood is burned is the same amount that was absorbed over the months and years that the plant was growing making it an environmentally friendly option as well as a financial one too.

A composting toilet was chosen for the boat which uses a predominantly aerobic processing system to treat waste, by composting or managed aerobic decomposition. These toilets generally use little to no water and may be used as an alternative to flush toilets. Aluminium windows and resin structures also work in harmony with the environment whilst bracing the offices against the marine climate.

Lacquered timber, brilliant white and teal are used throughout contributing to the ‘at sea’ feel and accents of maritime detail such as circular shaped cut-outs on the ceiling allow for the illumination of the entire open office space.

The Barge is a striking addition to the vibrant vernacular architecture of the Penryn harbour, it’s no surprise that it has become a local landmark within the Penryn community.

Not only has this innovative building become a local landmark, it has also provided a much needed office space for local companies looking to invigorate business, significantly increase productivity and encourage collaboration.

Indeed, great office design can inspire a workforce, making them excited about being in the office, even offer staff different environments for different work tasks. The office desk is no longer the central hub of productivity. Breakout spaces provide a crucial place away from the desk which can aid creativity and inspire ideas. The new layout of the spaces offered at the barge encourages openness and, creative, collaborative thinking.

Andrew Marston explains: “The spaces we have created with Märraum have surpassed all the design criteria we established at the projects’ inception, and have been admired and enjoyed by all who encounter them.”

He continues: “We have used Marraum for two unique and demanding construction projects – an office construction on top of a 1941 concrete barge hull, and the conversion of a 1950s warehouse to high quality studio space. Marraum provided visionary architectural skills, as well as an attention to detail and perseverance through the whole construction process. The spaces we have created with Marraum have surpassed all the design criteria we established at the projects’ inception, and have been admired and enjoyed by all who encounter them. I would have no hesitation in recommending their services, or using them for future projects.”

Michael Hormann adds: “From the moment the first roof panels were laid to the day we sailed the structure into position, it was an exhilarating process to be part of. The result: a bold new working environment that gets people talking and minds whirring.”