TePe

Offices and Warehouse | Wells, Somerset

Contract Type: Design & Build
Client: TePe
Status: Completed
Completed: December, 2016
Main Contractor: Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd

NVB Architects were commissioned to develop an outline proposal for a new-build UK headquarters office and warehouse building for TePe, a family owned Swedish company, who manufacture oral hygiene products. NVB were presented with a reference scheme for the building which clearly did not reflect the ethos of the company or make the best of the site. NVB therefore redesigned the scheme to the client's satisfaction.
An initial analysis of the sketch proposals highlighted that the office space was north-facing. Because staff welfare is an important aspect of the company’s ethos, the building was redesigned to move the offices and administration block to give them a more south-westerly aspect.
The main entrance to the building is a large double height reception area, with meeting rooms and a large staff welfare area leading off it. A feature staircase with solid oak treads and glass handrails provides access to the first floor offices.
A particular feature of the office area of the building is the use of Horning hardwood parquet flooring, which together with the furniture and lighting gives a Scandinavian feel to the interiors, reflecting the company’s origins. The furniture has been sourced from Sweden and matches that which has been installed in the TePe headquarters building in Malmo.
The large ground floor staff welfare room leads out to a generous south facing staff terrace and garden which the company will use throughout the day, designed by NVB Landscape.
The warehouse element of the building is designed to maximise storage, and the structure has been designed to allow for a mezzanine area to be installed at a later date if required.