esigned by Newcastle-based, award-winning architectural practice, xsite architecture (xsite), the £7m Blyth Workspace is the catalyst and key element of an ambitious and wider three-year plan by Arch, The Northumberland Development Company (Arch). This will see the transformation of the historical riverfront site, playing its part in the wider regeneration of Blyth town centre and South East Northumberland.

Other plans for the three-phase development at Commissioners Quay include construction of a 40-bed inn with bar and restaurant facilities, which was granted planning permission in March of this year. In Phase 3, a residential scheme is also planned which is currently at the design stage. This will create a community feel in an area which was once known for shipping and ship building. In fact, during World War One the first ever Ark Royal was built at Blyth Shipyard.

A further aim of Arch’s plans is to contribute to improving the image and quality of Blyth town centre, which has suffered in recent times like other towns. Combined, it is hoped that the redevelopment of Commissioners Quay will not only attract new businesses, it will also raise aspirations within the local community, as well as boosting the revitalisation of Blyth.

Contemporary workspace

Considering all of Arch’s aims and ambitions for Commissioners Quay, xsite’s brief was to design a contemporary managed workspace facility. The requirements translated into a building which was to be:

An exemplar, highly sustainable, environmentally friendly and energy efficient office space

Arch’s first bespoke ‘Workspace’ building (the development company operates four other Workspaces of standard construction within the North East situated in Ashington, Wansbeck, Durham and Berwick upon Tweed)

The first building to be completed on the masterplan, therefore setting the standard for all those to follow

A structure which sits comfortably adjacent to a conservation area close to the High Light, a Grade II Listed lighthouse which dates back to 1780

Capable of generating a level of interest in the area from existing businesses as well as expanding commercial activities along the estuary.

Blyth Workspace also has to appeal to businesses from outside the region which may consider locating to the area because of its close proximity to the Port of Blyth and The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, formerly Narec, the UK’s flagship technology innovation and research centre for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy.

Bespoke design challenges

From a design aspect, the creation of a contemporary building adjacent to a conservation area which would fit comfortably into its surroundings was one challenge.

However, the bespoke nature of the four-storey building’s design, which was based upon a steel frame clad with slop moulded brick, presented both the design and build teams with a number of additional challenges.

On this occasion 3-D modelling software was utilised to design the steel framework and BIM technology was applied to the coordination of the structural information. Further to this, the majority of detailed design was undertaken in a traditional manner.

Energy efficiency/green credentials

Arch also wanted to create a building which was highly sustainable so xsite focused on a design to incorporate as much passive ventilation and natural light as possible. Large opening windows have been installed throughout, which not only allow light to flood in, they also create a framing effect of the views over the estuary.

To increase the energy efficiency of the building all south facing windows feature externally fitted motorized blinds, the key benefits being that they provide greater control over the amount of solar heat and light entering the building and they also aid the visual and thermal comfort of the building’s users eliminating the likelihood of overheating and solar glare. Pop up roofs act as the mounting blocks for 100m2 of Photovoltaic cells and these are expected to generate some 17kW of energy.

According to Robin Parsons, xsite’s project architect on the scheme, bespoke is often an overused word. However, Blyth Workspace is the epitome of ‘bespoke’, right down to the bricks that were used.

As a project which proved to be one of the most complex structures he has so far designed, certainly in terms of project co-ordination, Robin said:

“This project has been challenging for a number of reasons but from the feedback we’ve had, I think it is viewed as a great success. Arch has been very hands-on and enthusiastic in wanting to create something outstanding and I believe we have achieved that. Aesthetically, whilst contemporary in its appearance, the colourful building reflects something of its riverfront location while not jarring with the nearby Listed High Light or residences.

“With regard to the energy efficiency of the building many features have been incorporated including airtight construction and 52 deep bore hole ground source heat pumps as well as opening roof spaces and high levels of insulation.”

Arch Chair and Deputy leader of Northumberland Council, Cllr Dave Ledger, added: “This development clearly demonstrates Arch’s commitment to innovative design and sustainability in the widest sense. Blyth Workspace is a high quality, well designed, sustainable and contemporary working environment which has set the tone for the ongoing regeneration of such a significant site.”

Beach Hut meeting room

Currently offices range in size from 20m² to 100m² however, the design affords such flexibility that more spacious offices can be created if required. Large windows which slide into the cavity space create ‘Juliet balconies’ to offices facing the sea and town.

Using the double height space within the shared working zone of the building, xsite came up with a creatively designed and highly visible yet practical meeting space, the design of which is based on a ‘beach hut. Birch ply lap panelling, glazing and coloured panels help to create a modern interpretation of this.

Roof lights and an open walkway to the first floor breakout zone are of great benefit to the structure, as they create a sense of connectivity to the building.

At ground floor level the reception area, kitchen and ‘club-room’ spaces also sit within this double height space. xsite’s design is intended to encourage occupiers to engage with each other thereby creating a sense of community and belonging within the building. Since completion five occupiers have moved into the managed workspace.

The Blyth Workspace development received investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Competitiveness Programme 2001-2013, the Homes and Communities Agency, Arch and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s North East Investment Fund.