National award for Bristol office scheme

One Portwall Square in Bristol has won the national Commercial Workplace Award from the British Council for Offices (BCO).

The 33,750 sq ft scheme, developed by Nord, sits in the heart of Bristol’s commercial district close to Temple Meads station.

Described by the BCO as ‘an exceptional example of innovation, showing what can be achieved on a relatively compact city centre site,’ the building’s low-carbon design and sustainable mixed mode heating, cooling, and ventilation system, were praised by the judges.

They also highlighted the incorporation of concrete core cooling as a means of delivering comfortable temperature conditions for occupiers – the first of its kind in a Bristol office.

The building has achieved both BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings for its environmental performance, recognising its focus on minimising energy consumption and carbon emissions.

One Portwall Square’s vast 3.65m floor to ceiling heights, private terraces on every upper floor, opening windows, outstanding connectivity, and cycling provisions, were commended by the BCO for their positive impact on occupant wellbeing.

In late 2022, One Portwall Square became the new home for Stirling Prize winning architects AHMM, also the architects on the scheme, as well as specialist intellectual property law firm, Haseltine Lake Kempner.

Nearly 70% of the building was pre-let by practical completion and two floors remain available. Cushman & Wakefield and CSquared are the letting agents working on behalf of Nord.

Richard Jones, founder at Nord, said: “This is wonderful recognition for the whole team who collaborated with us to deliver our vision of a new kind of office for Bristol, creating an innovative workplace that truly inspires its occupants. With strong sustainability credentials and new standards of tenant amenity and comfort, we’re proud of what has been achieved at One Portwall Square. We look forward to completing the final lettings in due course.”

Steve Lane, head of offices for the South West at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “This national award from the BCO is thoroughly well-deserved, and the first time the Commercial Workplace category has been won by a scheme in the South West. One Portwall Square is an outstanding commercial development that promotes creativity, productivity, and employee wellness. The award shines a spotlight on one of the region’s leading commercial property success stories.”