Client
Next Retail PlcLocation
Hedge End, SouthamptonContractor
Midas ConstructionFinal Contract Value
£190,000Completion Date
August 2014Project Brief
Essential Projects won a competitive tender to be involved in the construction of Next Retail’s new flagship store at Hedge End, Southampton.
Although construction of the shell for each retail unit had already started, Next wanted to ensure the final fit-out of its new store reflected its unique in-store brand identity. To accommodate this, Essential Projects was briefed to design, supply and install two bespoke feature staircases. The project also involved modifications to an existing staircase.
Essential Projects was also asked to design a bespoke steel structure that would help to reinforce a lighting support system and support the weight of feature displays that would be suspended from the atrium ceiling.
The essential solution
The single flight staircase was designed to incorporate both clear glass and mirrored glass risers. It was also decided that granite treads would be installed to complement the seamless glass balustrade. The overall look was completed using handrails made from walnut which were affixed to the core top rail using stainless steel brackets.
A second project involved installing a double width bespoke feature glass staircase, which featured a closed riser design with solid granite treads and risers and external and intermediate seamless glass balustrades. Again, the finishing touch was achieved by adding a walnut handrail to match other architecture within the store.
The final challenge involved works to modify the existing 170° feature glass staircase that had already been installed. After an initial assessment, it was confirmed that the staircase was not structurally sound, and did not comply with the initial design brief. It was decided that best course of action would be to completely dismantle the staircase, modify it, and reinstall the entire steel structure. In order to ensure the project deadline would still be met, Essential Projects completed all the modification work on site. Once reinstalled, glass risers, stainless steel cladding and walnut handrails were added to complete the overall finishing touch.
