One Portwall Square

One Portwall Square is a new-build office for independent developer Nord on a site close to Bristol Temple Meads railway station. The site was originally part of the car park to the rear of 100 Temple Street, a large office building designed by John Wells-Thorpe during the 1970s including a raised squash court with parking below. The new-build scheme replaces the disused squash court with a six storey freestanding office building, set back from Portwall Lane to create a lively pocket square at ground level. The proximity to 100 Temple Street has been a key consideration in the building’s design, reflected in the 4+ m floor to floor levels which match those of its neighbour. The design uses a low spandrel that wraps around the building, forming the balustrade to the cantilevered south-facing terraces at each level and shading the storey below. A complementary palette of materials has been selected for the façade taking its cue from the neighbouring orange-red brick and pre-cast concrete buildings. Occupant comfort is at the forefront of the design, using energy efficient systems including smart mixed-mode ventilation with opening windows and in-slab cooling. One Portwall Square will become the new Bristol base for AHMM, with the practice agreeing to pre-let part of the building - a space double that of the existing studio. This move will provide the opportunity to expand the Bristol team and accommodate new facilities, including a modelshop.