How a Bespoke approach unlocks the vast creative potential of a space
With the range of street furniture solutions from Bailey Street Furniture Group already providing architects and landscape designers with tremendous scope to meet different creative and functional briefs, what additional value can its BSS Bespoke Projects division offer?
No two construction projects are ever the same. Whether it is a specific objective in the client’s brief, demanding performance targets or something unique to the site conditions or local environment, standard range street furniture products successfully deployed on previous projects may need to be adapted to satisfy the requirements of another scheme.
Alternatively, it may be that the client seeks a completely different type of product or configuration that has never been done before. This is typically something we see in new build and redevelopment schemes that seek to push the creative boundaries with statement architecture and master planning, so it is important that we can provide solutions to facilitate these great ideas.
Bespoke street furniture solutions that support creativity
The BSS Bespoke Projects division of Bailey Street Furniture Group can play a key role in enabling ambitious public realm designs and original outdoor space configurations. The team provides a complete in-house design service, with the specialist knowledge, skills and experience to create bespoke street furniture and public realm elements to meet exacting requirements and specifications.
As experts in 3D CAD and steel and timber manufacturing, the design team works with clients to achieve concepts that meet all kinds of challenges, turning raw ideas into reality, before handing over to their colleagues in the Group’s manufacturing team. It is a collaborative approach throughout, which extends to specialist manufacturing partners, to ensure costs are minimised whilst at the same time maximising product quality.
Complete service from design to installation and aftersales care
BSS Bespoke Projects’ design and manufacturing teams work with the group’s project delivery specialists who look after all aspects of site delivery and installation. Given that this whole process is managed under one roof, last minute critical changes can often be accommodated, and clients have a fully traceable supply chain complete with design records – this is particularly beneficial for replacement parts or repeat orders.
By providing this end-to-end service, BSS Bespoke Projects gives architects, designers and specifiers the same level of quality, customer care and technical expertise that they would expect from other divisions within the Group, but with virtually unlimited creative potential. And the results speak for themselves.
Optimising existing spaces with consistency across multiple sites
Meeting the client brief to create a series of podiums with a consistent appearance on three of its sites, BSS Bespoke Projects worked with the University of East London (UEL) in 2022. The team was tasked with delivering bespoke hardwood timber podium seating units – these would create inviting social spaces and act as a focal point for casual meetings, as well as provide new facilities to host outdoor events.
Due to the scale of these podiums, each unit was fully assembled at Bailey Street Furniture Group’s warehouse prior to dispatch to the UEL’s University Square, Stratford campus and Docklands campus. They were packaged and delivered in assembled and clad segments that could be easily joined together and aligned on site.
Adaptations to fulfil unique planting arrangement
At the Broadgate Quarter development in central London, BSS Bespoke Projects met the public realm brief in the creation of a thriving commercial and social hub. Specifically, the architect sought to enhance the space with a number of social seating arrangements interspersed with natural planting beds. The aim here was to provide an inviting environment for employees and members of the public, as well as to boost biodiversity.
The solution came with the adaptation of Bailey Street Furniture Group’s Inspira planter units, as well as Holgate picnic sets and benches. The unique aesthetics combined branded black powder-coated frames with durable Sapele hardwood toppers, with uplit lighting inside the planting beds to add to the ambience.
An additional unique feature was created at the entrance to the development. A large illuminated arch was created featuring bespoke planter units at the base in varying heights, complete with inset seating, which enables shrubbery to grow up the totems and create an inviting gateway.
Scaling up and accommodating unusual purpose
A third example illustrating the potential of a bespoke approach is a contemporary walkway canopy project created by BSS Bespoke Projects at the Gaydon Centre of Jaguar Land Rover in Warwickshire.
The 109m canopy, which was carefully coordinated with complementary street furniture including seating, was required as part of the external landscaping of the Gaydon Triangle project. Given the shared usage of the walkway by pedestrians and vehicles, the structure needed to be a cantilever design with a high roof, but with foundations that were suitable for a landscaped tree area to the rear, plus a unique running water feature to the front.
The BSS Bespoke Projects team overcame a number of challenges in this project, from the technical aspects associated with the canopy’s design and the incorporation of lighting, to practical needs such as keeping the walkway open for pedestrian access during working hours, to deliver an outstanding finished installation.
For further information on how BSS Bespoke Projects can deliver unique solutions for outdoor spaces, visit www.bsfg.co.uk/bespoke-solutions.