HOK Designs New Workplace for BBC Studios in Bristol

London – HOK’s London studio has designed a new production base for BBC Studios in the centre of Bristol—its largest outside London. Staff from the world-renowned Natural History Unit (NHU) and Factual Entertainment Bristol, which produces Top Gear, Antiques Roadshow, Gardeners’ World, Countryfile and DIY SOS, now work in the 5,575SM space across three floors of Bridgewater House in Finzels Reach.

BBC Studios occupies the first three floors of the building, where it has its own entrance and main reception on the ground floor. With its open plan and flexible furniture, the ground floor provides an inviting space for events and functions. An auditorium accommodates presentations and masterclasses. Bi-fold doors extend the event space outside to a new landscaped garden area that can host year-round gatherings.

This inclusive plan provides flexible, easily accessible workspaces that enable all staff to thrive and feel comfortable. The first and second storeys house the non-hierarchical office space, with team neighbourhoods wrapping around the perimeter. A broken-plan layout deconstructs the open-plan zone, using shelving, plants and dividers to form collaboration space and focus areas. The open shelving dividers have adjustable whiteboards that help create customisable team zones while providing acoustic privacy. 

A central breakout space overlooking the ground-floor event area provides a social hub. Breakout/tea points in the centre of the office floors bring BBC’s Studios people together. A variety of furniture settings ensure that the space is activated for both work and socialising throughout the day.

“We designed the new space to showcase BBC Studio’s content pioneers, inventors and reinventors while providing an inclusive, inspiring workplace that motivates its people to do their best work and helps them feel valued,” said Timothy Hatton, Senior Interior Design Professional with HOK.  

Sustainability and Well-Being

The design supports BBC Studios commitment to sustainability and the Natural History Unit’s reputation as the world’s leading producer of content about the natural world. It was imperative to provide a highly sustainable design to support people who use storytelling to give the natural world a voice. The space has been awarded a SKA Gold certification.

To help all staff feel included, the workplace accommodates many types of uses for both hypersensitive and hyposensitive individuals. A variety of different settings enable individuals to work in environments that best suit their tasks and preferred surroundings. 

The material choices reinforce BBC Studio’s leadership in programming about the natural world. All timber used in the project was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The team sourced reclaimed wood in feature areas. Walls made of cork, a natural and rapidly renewable material that reduces noise, improves acoustics in meeting spaces.

Most furniture was reused. The team also sourced quality preloved furniture where available. Using clay-based paints instead of typical emulsion paints reduced airborne odours and contaminants. The clay-based paints also lessen static charge build up, which minimises dust and allergens. Biophilic design elements create a healthy, uplifting environment and another connection to the natural world.

Team

HOK collaborated with Studio B, AECOM, Cath Leach and Currie & Brown on the design. With offices around the globe, HOK designs buildings and spaces that respond to the needs of people and the environment. HOK designers are rooted in technical excellence, driven by imagination and focused on a solitary goal: to deliver solutions that inspire clients and communities.