Introduction
Forestry England approached Avent Interiors to undertake a refurbishment project that was focused on their breakout space. As a key organisation managing public forests and green spaces, Forestry England required a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment for staff to relax and collaborate. The project aimed to modernise their kitchen, improve workflow efficiency, and create a comfortable breakout area while adhering to workplace safety and sustainability standards.
Client Background and Challenges
Forestry England oversees the protection and sustainability of the nation’s forests, ensuring both conservation and public engagement. They came to Avent Interiors with a very familiar problem: an outdated breakout area that needed a comprehensive refurbishment. Their existing breakout area lacked sufficient facilities to accommodate the needs of both staff and any visitors effectively. The kitchen layout was inefficient, particularly lacking space for meal and break times. Along with this, the flooring and partitioning needed a refurbishment to enhance the overall look of the area. Avent Interiors was selected for this project due to its expertise in high-quality office fit outs and ability to deliver tailored solutions within budget and time constraints.
Solution and Implementation
Avent Interiors executed the project in a structured and efficient manner, ensuring minimal disruption to Forestry England’s operations. The project phases included:
Preliminary Works: The team carried out essential site preparations, including pre-works documentation, waste disposal, and site management to ensure a smooth workflow. Health and safety measures were implemented throughout the project.
Strip-Out and Enabling Works: The existing kitchen and flooring were removed, and necessary modifications were made to the plumbing and electrical systems. Reconfiguration allowed for an improved kitchen layout, and electrical services were adjusted to accommodate new appliances and the drink-making station.
Partitioning & Painting Works: Two partition walls were installed using a 75mm system with a 50mm metal stud and a 12.5mm wallboard finish. These partitions provided subtle separation while maintaining an open-plan feel. Walls were prepared and painted, with a 2m-wide chalk wall incorporated for staff engagement.
Flooring Installation: Approximately 53m² of LVT flooring was installed with plywood and latex preparation to ensure durability. A mid-range commercial-grade wood/stone-effect LVT was chosen for aesthetics and resilience.
Kitchen & Drink Station Installation: A new Greenwich range kitchen with laminate worktops was installed, featuring an integrated dishwasher and full-height larder fridge. A water heater was added to ensure sufficient hot water for hand washing. The drink-making station included four waste chutes with matching plastic bins. Electrical switches were strategically placed for convenience and functionality.
Furniture & Window Blinds: To create a welcoming breakout space, five metal-frame tables and ten matching bench seats with cushions were installed. New fire-retardant vertical slat blinds replaced the outdated window coverings, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Results
The completed project met the needs of Forestry England perfectly and provided them with a completely refurbished breakout area. Staff are now free to properly relax on their breaks in a comfortable yet functional environment. The high-quality materials and finish align with the client’s sustainable values.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Avent Interiors and Forestry England was a complete success, with the project being completed within time and on budget. Forestry England has since invited Avent Interiors to quote further works. If you’re looking for an office refurbishment or fit out, then get in touch with Avent Interiors utilising their free site survey.
