Bond International HQ

Isle Design Architecture were commissioned by Bond International Ltd (national Tyre distributors) to design a new purpose-built HQ building on land adjacent to their current head office adjacent at Pocklington Airfield. Spread over four storeys the proposed development will measure circa 3350m² in floor area (GEA) with a GIA of 2850m² and will provide a base for the companies’ national operations. 

Inspired by Mid-century modernism the proposed buildings architectural style makes a subtle reference to the era that Bond International were formed/founded (mid 1960’s). Clean lines and thoughtful proportion coupled with expansive areas of glazing provide the building with an air of elegance and transparency. This is further enhanced through the proposed use of internal glazed partitions, where practical, which allow for the external environment to enter the building, a trait that accords with adopted Biophilic design theory.  

The main entrance to the building, accessed from the car park to the West is visually identified through the inclusion of a three-storey atrium space which projects in front of the line of the main floorplates. The primary structure of this space is formed by full height Glu laminated timbers which support large format Planar glazing fixed with SS spider fixings. A two-storey height internal vertical garden (living wall) provides a biophilic feature to the entrance/reception area beneath affording architectural drama to the space. Externally the projecting entrance portal is topped with a sedum roof (which is visible form the third floor space) providing habitat/biodiversity value. 

At Ground Floor the HQ building is given over to staff leisure uses with Yoga Studio, Fully equipped Gym Zone, Golf simulator, F1 simulator, Pool and Table tennis areas provided. These defined spaces are supported by changing areas and a ‘changing spaces WC facility. 

Externally the building sits on a skirt of floor to ceiling semi-transparent polycarbonate cladding which wraps around the perimeter of the Ground floor plate. The introduction of this material at this level imitates the Japanese ‘soshi’ screen in so much as natural daylight is encouraged to spill into the ‘Leisure floor’ whilst limiting visual transparency. This is particularly key for the Yoga studio and Gymnasium space which are located immediately adjacent to the primary road network. This treatment is carried further to the detached auxiliary block for visual consistency which in turn is connected back to the ‘main’ building via a flat roof construction which similar over sails the inbuilt cycle stands. This flat roof is covered in a sedum roof covering which will serve to enhance biodiversity and habitat value.   

The third-floor plate of the proposed development contrasts starkly with the floorplates beneath. Predominantly open plan this floor is dedicated to sales activity. Associated director pods are provided to the Northeast of the floor plate as is a feature break out/meeting zone. Localised ‘brew point’ zones are also located here along with the core WC facilities. A board room and associated external terrace are provided to the Southeast for director/board use.

The floorplates are flanked by stair and lift core zones which allow for vertical travel through the building. Externally these are to be clad in a standing seam metal cladding system with appropriate curtain walling providing natural day light to these spaces at ‘Gable’ elevations. The verticality of these elements is exaggerated aesthetically by the vertical standing seam detail with the apparent solidity of the blocks acting as a frame/visual stop end to the transparent fabric treatment between. 

The biophilic nature of the design is further enhanced with the provision of a feature three storey high vertical garden to the Eastern elevation. It is proposed that Bond International corporate signage is planted within the garden as this elevation fronts onto the adjacent road network hence providing maximum advertisement opportunity and exposure. Other than the documented aesthetic/bio-diversity enhancement the inclusion of a vertical garden also provides the following benefits: removal of air pollutants (which is particularly relevant due to the walls location), thermal benefits to the building, improved rainwater attenuation and reduced noise. 

To the North East of the building floorplates meeting, banqueting and boardrooms are located. These are fully glazed on both elevations to allow for un interrupted views across the historic former Pocklington Airfield. External terracing is provided to the Banqueting suite and Boardroom to allow for direct interaction with the external environment.