Norfolk County Hall
An inclusive and re-imagined workspace
This ambitious and collaborative scheme between client, stakeholders and project team has successfully realised Norfolk County Council’s vision for equal opportunities and inclusivity within their staff headquarters.
Presented with the Blue Badge Access Award for Most Inclusive Building in 2022, the refurbished Norfolk County Hall has created a universally accessible workplace within the original office building.
The renovation of Norfolk County Hall has introduced universal access throughout the building, encompassing inclusive workspaces, public areas, and new external cladding. This radical transformation has undone the dislocated offer created by gradual improvements undertaken over the last 40 years.
Purcell has worked with the council from procurement to delivery as architect and lead designer: from running the early consultations with stakeholders to define (and redefine) the brief, through to the design and build phase alongside Mott MacDonald, then within the Mace Interiors team.
Open, adaptable spaces, featuring adjustable sitting or standing desks, replace outdated cellular offices. Extended staff facilities include more showers and locker areas, supporting sustainable travel.
A careful pattern of hanging acoustic barriers and coordinated fittings manage noise within the open-plan environment. Early collaboration with the furniture supplier aided this process, ensuring that the fit out was able to balance noise management within the open plan space.
As a result, the carefully designed breakout spaces, formal meeting rooms, booths, and quiet spaces are both united and independent within the workspace, seamlessly accommodating varied staff needs. Booths allow private conversations to take place next to open, creative spaces, whilst calm working areas are enhanced by biophilic moss walls, bringing a hint of the outside within.
– Neil Howard, Equality and Accessibility Officer, Norfolk County Council
Championing Accessibility and Inclusivity
Regular discussion with and insights from the council’s Equality and Accessibility Officer ensured that accessibility and inclusivity remained at the forefront of the scheme.
Colour, texture and pattern have been weaved throughout the building for wayfinding: strong patterns have been eliminated for the benefit of neurodiversity, while important physical changes such as increased designated wheelchair spaces, new ramped routes, and automated doors ensure that every part of the building can be accessed, used, and exited safely by all.
Shared and individual workspaces feature height-adjustable desks, with fully accessible WC and shower facilities. Technology enhancements support neurodiverse and sensory-impaired users, including remote-controlled AV systems for flexible use.
Energy-efficient upgrades include double-glazed windows, improved insulation, and user-controlled natural lighting, addressing overheating, leaks, and heat loss.
A new aluminum cladding system modernizes the façade while improving thermal performance. Fire safety has been enhanced with new exits, ramps, and a single-level internal staircase for streamlined egress.
The benefits of this improved building, fit for purpose and fully accessible for all users, were immediately clear to see for Norfolk County Council. The success of the innovative scheme has already begun to inspire other Council-led workplace design initiatives in the area, facilitating the evolution of modern and inclusive workspaces throughout the county.
– Paul Owen, Senior Structural Engineer Overall Project Lead, Mott MacDonald
Details
- Client Norfolk County Council
- Team Norwich Studio
- Location Norwich
- Country United Kingdom
- Photography Diane Auckland
Awards
- Blue Badge Access Awards: Most Inclusive Venue Won 2022
- RICS East Midlands: Public Sector Shortlisted 2022
- British Council of Offices Awards: Refurbished/Recycled Workspace Shortlisted 2021
