Interior design and fit-out within the central amenities facility at the first of two vast accommodation facilities across self-contained campuses
TCi construction WORKS completed a comprehensive project to provide two bar facilities and reception area, ready to welcome guests at the 510 room facility, built for workers at the Hinkley Point C Nuclear New Build site.
The Project
The modular campus took shape in the first half of 2018 with the delivery and installation of 15 accommodation blocks by Laing O’Rourke. Each block of 34 single rooms comprises 18 modular units with a secure entrance and modern, wood cladding.
The 510-room campus has a large, well-appointed central amenity building which houses a restaurant, two bars, a gym and meeting facilities. TCi construction WORKS was contracted to deliver the fit-out of the large lounge and sports bars and create a welcoming atmosphere where operatives can relax and wind down after work. The challenge was to create a ‘home from home’ feel, in line with HOST’s strapline “Your Somerset Home”. This couldn’t be more evident with the provision of the two distinct bar areas on the ground and first floors and the level of detail required by the specification.
Delivery
Incorporating interior design specialist, Andrew Rogers of Revisionr, TCi provided a full fit-out design for both the luxurious lounge bar and the more informal sports bar.
In the spirit of collaborative working, a comprehensive process of interior décor sampling followed the initial design process, involving HOST and end-user representatives to ensure the right tone was set within the facility. A key challenge was to turn a bare, sterile, empty shell of a new build into a welcoming social environment.
With the installation of bespoke, locally produced carpentry and innovative wall coverings, the character of each bar took shape quickly. Bookcase ‘art’ wallpaper adorns the wall above a dado in the Sandpiper bar, giving way to a lounge feel, with a feature chimney breast constructed with hand-made Brick Slips cladding. Booths and open spaces are separated by open wooden screens, giving privacy and form to the room whilst allowing it to remain contiguous.
Lighting features, including hanging conical pendants and industrial-style bulkhead lamps set the scene and create a soft, warm glow. In the Sports Bar, a bolder approach has been taken to create a multifunctional social space with a slightly more industrial feel. Mesh panel and pallet-wood wall features, and stainless steel panelling add to the effect, with partitions that feature ‘vintage’ factory-style, glazed windows.
A bare wood panelled partition adorned with big screen TVs separates the main bar from a selection of pool tables and a seating area that overlooks the rest of the campus.
Technical services were incorporated into the custom-built bar areas, bringing full functionality to the well-appointed service zones. Built-in display shelving and glass-fronted fridges are well illuminated, promoting visual appeal. As food-preparation areas, the back bars have been designed with ease of cleaning in mind and finished with durable, wipe-clean surfaces. Flooring is non-slip Altro vinyl, for safety, hygiene and comfort.
Completing the interior, TCi furniture WORKS delivered and installed a carefully selected furniture scheme throughout the bar areas, including tables made from reclaimed wood, bespoke seating areas, retro-effect leather chairs and recycled plastic benches in the outdoor zones.
Result
By undertaking the fit-out, furniture, fixings & equipment contract as one, TCi has been able to deliver a complete solution in time to allow the Hinkley Campus to become operational on schedule, with an extremely high standard of finish that you would expect from a campus facility at one of Europe’s largest infrastructure developments.
The two bar areas have a warm, yet spacious feel, with vintage-effect furniture that simply blends into the surroundings.
“At HOST we have worked with TCI on the opening of a large accommodation campus, as our supplier of both FF&E and the supply and fit-out of two new build bars we could not be happier, Throughout the project their team have been a pleasure to work with. They have been a key part to making the opening a success, coming in on time and at agreed budget.”
“We are now looking forward to our 2nd bigger project with TCI, as one of our key partners they are engaged to fit out nearly 1000 bedrooms, fully design and build the two new bar areas and the fit out of all associated FF&E across the campus.”
“Looking forward to continuing working with TCI again in the future.”
Paul Warburton, HOST Campus General Manager
The campus facility opened for business in June 2018 and is already running at capacity. A further 986 room campus has been built and is due to open in nearby Sedgemoor in the autumn, bringing the room total to 1496. Learn more and book your stay here.
HOST 2 Ltd (Host) is a joint venture of three Somerset companies: Castle Moda Ltd, Brooking Ruse & Co. and John West (Contractors) Ltd. with decades of expertise in domestic and international hotel and leisure
HOST provides specially designed accommodation for the teams working on the construction of the EDF Energy Hinkley Point C (HPC) project.