Warehouse conversion, coupled with a high-quality office fit out are becoming a popular solution for expanding businesses across the South East.
The low running costs and ample space are a major draw for business owners. Especially, as many industrial units and warehouses are located near to main roads and motorways, making deliveries easier and travel more direct for visitors
At JBH Refurbishments, we have completed several warehouse conversions and office fit outs for companies, and regularly receive enquiries from astute businesses.
Recently we completed a warehouse conversion and office fit out for Mackelden Civil Engineering, based in Headcorn, near Maidstone in Kent.
The company approached JBH Refurbishments to transform their unoccupied warehouse into a deluxe office space that would attract one, or several businesses, looking to lease an office space within the Kent area.
Set amid the beautiful Kent countryside, the warehouse has fantastic views and plenty of parking, making it the ideal location for a small or expanding business.
Upon inspection, the warehouse was completely stripped bare, with exposed metal clad walls, windows, concrete foundations and metal staircase, leading to a mezzanine floor. There was no lighting, heating or any features that represented an office setting.
With the brief to create a space for the commercial rental market, the JBH design team developed an office design and layout that complimented the available space.
Working in an entirely empty space, the warehouse conversion first needed to be divided into various spaces using stud wall partitions. All the partitioned walls throughout the warehouse were fitted with acoustic insulation and plaster boarded.
On the lower ground floor, the partition walls created a large office space to the left of the entrance. To right were male and female washrooms and a smaller office space.
On the first floor, two large office spaces were created either side of the central staircase.
To conceal the exposed metal roof, as well as any pipework and cabling used for the office fit-out, JBH’s team of specialist engineers installed a suspended ceiling throughout. LED lights in the same shape and size as the ceiling tiles were integrated into the suspended ceiling frame work to offer a natural light.
Located in the depths of the Kent countryside, access to oil-based heating was not a cost effective option. Instead the warehouse conversion was fitted with efficient duel heating and cooling Daikin air conditioning wall mounted units in each room. The condenser units were installed on the outside wall. On the first floor landing an electric radiator was fitted to the wall.
For fire safety, we installed a C-Tec fire alarm system throughout the building.
The first fix electrical installation needed to allow power to both floors in order to operate:
- The fire alarm system
- Wall mounted air conditioning units
- Suspended ceiling lights
- Wall sockets at low level
- Light switches
The second fix included:
- Fitting sockets at skirting board level
- Light switches
- Installing the fire alarm system
- Installing an electric radiator and air conditioning units
As part of the warehouse conversion, on the lower ground floor, JBH designed an open plan entrance hall with a striking staircase, leading to the first floor. The once exposed concrete staircase was now enclosed with a useful storage cupboard, finished with a small oak veneer door, under the stairs.
A glass balustrade was fitted to enhance the open plan design and a brushed chrome handrail was installed to compliment the contemporary styling.
Throughout the entrance hall and the length of the stairs we fitted a dark blue carpet with a brighter blue boarder. The blue carpet hues were enriched by the bright white walls and oak veneer doors that lead into new male and female washrooms and the downstairs office space.
The large entrance hall offered a practical space for a central office kitchen area. Here, JBH installed high gloss wall units in a sophisticate shade of grey, complimentary worktop and sink. One unit space was left available for a small fridge. The kitchen area was finished in a practical light grey vinyl flooring.
Located on the ground floor, we installed male and multifunction female/disabled washrooms. Plain white porcelain toilets and sinks were fitted with chrome taps. To add an air of sophistication, the back wall was painted grey and finished with oak veneer cladding.
In the female/disabled washroom, hand rails, backrest supports and a pull cord emergency disabled alarm were installed, making this an office suitable for all abilities.
The first floor features a central landing, leading to two main offices either side. Large enough to house numerous desks and employees, the divided space is ideal for several small businesses, or one large company with various departments.
The upstairs office fit-out replicates the lower level interior décor – white walls, blue carpets with a brighter blue boarder, and oak veneer doors.
Upstairs is where you really get a sense of the rural scenery. The landscape boasts green fields, hedgerows, trees, livestock and views of nearby Sutton Valance Village.
This fantastic new warehouse conversion with a plush office fit out is ideal for any respectable Kent-based business. You would be hard pushed to find a better office with the space and location.
To find out more about warehouse conversions and office fit out services, or to learn more about our office refurbishment services, contact our helpful team.
