Nielsen Brandbank

Complete Office Refurbishment Fitout

Project Managed Office Building Refit - Norwich

Nielsen Brandbank commissioned Acorn Works to refurbish a large, leased building in Norwich, with a view to bringing some of their existing premises under the one roof.

Project Outline

The project was split into two distinctive phases. Phase One saw us refurbishing the existing office and welfare spaces within the building. While in Phase Two we turned our attention to the refit of a huge storage mezzanine, transforming it from warehousing into usable office space for over 100 people.

Phase One: Office Refurbishment

The first phase included new flooring throughout, decoration, reconfiguration and the addition of mechanical and electrical items. New canteen areas with full built kitchens and seating areas were constructed, including the division of a large toilet area into two separate toilets.

Phase Two: Turning Warehousing Space into Office Space

All new jumbo partition walls were erected to divide the new office space from the warehouse area. This was followed by the installation of external windows to let daylight flood into the newly created office-space. We then stud and track dry lined the external walls to give an enclosed plasterboard box to joint, tape and paint.

Additional partition walls were built into the corners to create a suite of private offices, meeting spaces, stores and welfare areas, and suspended ceilings were installed throughout.

The toilets were installed with tiled walls, HPL cubicles and hard flooring. New flooring was also laid to the open plan office area, individual offices, breakout spaces and tea points.

Office Refurbishment Project Images by Acorn Works Ltd

Project Challenges

Not only was this an extensive job, it was also a fast one! Considering the size and scale of the undertaking it was turned around exceedingly quickly. There was only a 2-3 week lead time from quotation to the commencement of works. Subsequently phase one was completed in 10 weeks and phase two in another 10-14 weeks. 

Acorn Works was the project manager throughout the refurbishment taking care of all dealings with trades, other contractors, suppliers and planning / building officers.

We managed existing contractors in phase one, and both our own contractors as well as 3rd party contractors in phase two. We were even able to successfully negotiate, directly with the landlord, a zero dilapidation clause, so that our client could proceed more confidently with this significant project of work.

“It’s fair to say that this building refit was the most challenging job I’ve worked on in over thirty years in the industry.”  said Steve Tomlin, Project Manager. “The team really enjoyed it – a great opportunity to make the most of our skills and experience.” 

Including:

  • Project Management
  • Partition Walls & Internal Windows
  • Suspended Ceilings
  • New External Windows
  • Floor Coverings (including hard flooring)
  • Window Furniture
  • New Washrooms & Welfare Facilities
  • Mechanical & Electrical Items