DWT complete Sustainable Office Refurbishment & Office Design Exeter

Devon Wildlife Trust have converted an old mill in Exeter City Centre to create a fantastic sustainable office design Exeter. Working with Business Interiors on the design and specification of the offices, protecting the environment was considered a very high priority – as you would expect from an environmental charity such as Devon Wildlife Trust.

One of the great things about working with unusual buildings that have to be preserved is that the old character of the building can add so much to the office environment.

Not many offices can boast a leat running through them, with stream-like habitats that have been opened up and landscaped, with ponds and wet areas! Nor can many offices double as a fully operational Mill! But that is exactly what Devon Wildlife Trust have achieved since buying a fire damaged, listed mill in the heart of a city centre and turning it into an inspiring office design Exeter headquarters.

As a listed heritage building, Cricklepitt Mill not only provided a unique challenge for an office headquarter project, but also a facinating backdrop for a working environment. With the machinery of the mill renovated and restored the main milling room doubles as a stunning breakout/library area. The mill itself has high ceilings with exposed beams and the air conditioning units have been left exposed as a modern feature that compliments the buildings heritage – much like the ultra modern extension. The main water wheel and the stream itself are visible from most parts of the office, creating a calm connection with nature.

Devon Wildlife Trust insisted that every product and approach be taken with the environment as a priority. All office furniture is made by Steelcase, the recognised leader in its field for sustainable design. Every product had to rigorously prove its environmental credentials, with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) which included recycled content, recycle-ability and carbon footprint.

The result is a truly inspiring office environment that fuses heritage, nature and design into a special mix that captures the essence of Devon Wildlife Trust perfectly. Please go and visit our case study of Devon Wildlife Trust.