Eden, New Bailey
Salford
Location
Salford
Status
Completed 2024
Sector
Commercial
Client
English Cities Fund
Eden, New Bailey is a newly completed £36m office building in Salford and is one of the UK’s most environmentally friendly buildings, featuring Europe's biggest green wall, net zero carbon operation and rainwater harvesting.
When offered the opportunity to design an interior scheme for this highly sustainable, new-build 115,000 sq. ft development, we jumped at the chance. Determined to use our extensive knowledge of designing sustainably to help push boundaries, we wanted to create a scheme that would sit in harmony with the building’s many eco-friendly achievements, while meeting the client’s health and wellbeing aspirations for the space.
Awards: Mix Awards North Finalist, FX Awards Finalist
Accreditations: Wired Certified Platinum, NABERS 5* Rating
The result is bustling new social hub and mezzanine level, that embodies both the needs of tenants and the local community, while also harmonising with the building’s exterior and sustainable credentials.
The central design concept, “flourish”, draws inspiration from the building’s breathtaking façade—a living wall comprising over 350,000 living plants, making it Europe’s largest. This concept not only celebrated the visual appeal but also underscores the commitment to sustainability and the wellbeing of all the building’s occupants. In terms of sustainability, it was also important to prioritise the use of reclaimed materials, low VOC and carbon-conscious materials through the project.
This approach culminated in the creation of a stunning central sculptural piece for the ground floor social hub. Designed to serve as a focal point for tenants upon entry and to attract attention from passers-by and local community members, the sculpture also communicates the buildings commitment to carbon reduction and sustainable practices within.
The sculptural piece, created together with lighting specialists Light Forms, was inspired by close-up photos of carbon rods and consists of recycled tubes and suspended rods with a bespoke-designed LED fitting.
Natural materials were used throughout the design as part of the environmentally conscious approach, including a recycled gym floor and cork for the acoustic panels in the F&B space.
The key to achieving the required cohesion was to make the space busy and active through a series of amenity provisions, offering local-operator F&B, co-working and collaboration areas, alongside wellness and retail events spaces available to the local community. Along with a strong sustainability narrative, the interior spaces also achieve a sense of balance for users through mindfulness, offering a strong wellbeing sensibility and good quality food and drink.
The various spaces within the amenity offer were to include co-working, meeting, presentation and lounge areas; sustainable F&B and an accent throughout on nature, biophilia, social connection and contemplation. Cycling and shower facilities were incorporated to encourage more active travel into work, whilst an elevated mezzanine area named ‘The Canopy’, offers a serene environment for contemplation and wellbeing, incorporating a treatment room and full-size wellness fitness studio.
