Basement into Office Space – Covent Garden, London, WC2E

Project Overview:

British Builder was commissioned by Miller Harris, a prestigious perfume brand, to transform the basement of one of their shops into a fully functional office space. Located in the vibrant and historically rich Covent Garden area of London, the shop required careful planning and execution to balance ongoing retail operations with construction activities. This project aimed to create a modern, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing workspace for Miller Harris staff, enhancing their operational capabilities.

Project Scope of Work:

Painting and Aesthetics:

Task: Paint the walls and ceiling throughout the basement area in a clean, crisp white.
Objective: The choice of white paint was strategic, intended to maximize light reflection and create a bright, inviting workspace. The fresh coat of paint aimed to rejuvenate the space, making it conducive to productivity and reflective of the brand’s high standards.
Execution: Surface preparation was crucial. The walls and ceiling were meticulously cleaned, repaired, and primed to ensure the paint adhered properly and the finish was smooth and durable. High-quality, low-VOC paint was used to minimize odor and disruption to the retail operations upstairs.

Bathroom Renovation and Addition:

Task: Renovate the existing bathroom and construct an additional bathroom.
Objective: To provide modern, hygienic, and comfortable restroom facilities for staff. The additional bathroom was necessary to accommodate the expected increase in staff using the office space.
Execution: The renovation involved stripping out the old fixtures, retiling, and installing new, water-efficient toilets, sinks, and lighting. For the new bathroom, plumbing and electrical systems were extended from existing lines. Both bathrooms were fitted with high-quality fixtures that align with the aesthetic and functional needs of a professional office environment.

Office Partitioning:

Task: Partition an area to be used as an office, with soundproofing measures included.
Objective: To create a dedicated workspace that ensures privacy and reduces noise from adjacent areas, which is essential for concentration and productivity.
Execution: The partitioning involved constructing walls using soundproofing materials, such as acoustic drywall and insulation. The walls were designed to reach the ceiling to maximize noise reduction. Additionally, doors with soundproof seals were installed to complete the barrier. This careful selection of materials ensured that the office environment remained quiet and focused.

Custom Office Furniture:

Task: Design and build new desks specifically tailored to the office layout.
Objective: To ensure that the furniture maximized the available space and met the ergonomic needs of the staff.
Execution: The desks were custom-built from durable, high-quality materials. The design process included consultations with Miller Harris to understand their specific needs. The final product included desks with built-in cable management systems, ample storage space, and ergonomic features to enhance comfort and productivity.

Tunnels Partitioning:

Task: Construct partition walls for two tunnels:
One tunnel to separate the office space.
One tunnel to separate the stock room.
Objective: To clearly define functional areas within the basement, facilitating better organization and workflow. The office tunnel was designed to house desks and chairs arranged lengthways, while the other tunnel was divided into a meeting room and a break-out area.
Execution: For the office tunnel, partitions were built with a focus on stability and acoustics, using sturdy materials to ensure longevity. The stock room tunnel was partitioned with flexibility in mind, allowing for the meeting room and break-out area to be easily reconfigured if needed. The meeting room featured a glass partition to allow light flow while maintaining a level of privacy.

Lighting Installation:

Task: Install new lighting fixtures throughout the office space.
Objective: To enhance the sense of space, improve visibility, and create a pleasant working environment.
Execution: Energy-efficient LED lighting was selected for its longevity and low heat emission. The lighting design included a mix of overhead fixtures and task lighting to ensure that all areas were well-lit. Dimmable lights were installed in the break-out area and meeting room to allow for different lighting needs.

Challenges and Solutions:

Sub-contractor Delay: One of our appointed sub-contractors faced a personal emergency, causing a one-week delay. This situation was managed by swiftly reallocating tasks among the remaining team and rescheduling work to minimize the impact on the overall timeline.
Logistical Issues: Given the shop’s location in the busy Covent Garden Market, deliveries posed significant challenges. Restricted access times and the necessity to keep the shop operational required careful coordination. Deliveries were scheduled during off-peak hours, and temporary storage solutions were arranged to prevent disruptions to the shop’s daily operations.
Continuous Operations: Ensuring that the shop remained open during construction required soundproof barriers and strategic scheduling of noisier tasks outside of business hours.

Project Timeline:

Initial Completion: Despite the one-week delay caused by the sub-contractor’s emergency, the primary scope of work was completed within 3 weeks. This included painting, bathroom renovations, office partitioning, and initial lighting installation.

Additional Work:

Upon request, an extra partition wall was constructed, which extended the project by a few additional days. This wall further enhanced the functional layout of the space.
Post-completion: Minor snags were identified by the client a few days after the project’s completion. These were promptly addressed by dispatching a sub-contractor to rectify the issues, ensuring complete client satisfaction.

Client Feedback:

The Miller Harris management team commended British Builder for our professionalism, quality of work, and ability to manage the complexities of working in a busy retail environment. They were particularly pleased with the transformation of the basement into a vibrant and functional office space. The collaborative approach and clear communication throughout the project were appreciated, leading to a successful outcome.

Conclusion:

The conversion of the Miller Harris basement into an office space was a challenging yet rewarding project. It showcased British Builder’s ability to deliver high-quality work under tight timelines and complex logistical conditions. The project’s success was due to meticulous planning, adaptability, and close collaboration with the client. British Builder is enthusiastic about future opportunities to work with Miller Harris and wishes them continued success in their endeavors.