20 Manvers Street

Bath

Constructed in 1973 and typical of its time, 20 Manvers Street is a concrete framed office block with precast cladding. The building, in a prime location within the city, was tired and in need of refurbishment with the floor plates requiring a total upgrade and environmental standards improved. The requirement included transforming the existing entrance as this had poor frontage and did not comply with DDA access and additional office floor space which was achieved by adding an extra storey on the roof. Major structural alterations included the lowering of the floor slab along the frontage with Manvers St to provide level access and locally increasing the floor to floor height to provide an impressive reception. Using carbon fibre to strengthen the existing slabs avoided high carbon secondary steel beams. Buildability and construction sequencing was a key aspect to the design, including propping of the basement wall retaining Manvers Street. The team have delivered a design with a new spacious reception which has full height glazing and high quality finishes and makes an outstanding first impression. A new fourth floor with full height glazing provides impressive panoramic views over the Bath’s skyline and to the open countryside beyond.