Portwall Lofts is a new workspace set within an impressive Victorian red brick warehouse, on the origins of Bristol’s 13th century Port wall. The brief to Run For The Hills’ interiors team was to work with the Clients to strip things back, to expose and enhance the raw beauty and stunning loft-feel of the spaces within the building. Removing the lowered ceilings to reveal a grand vaulted timber frame, repairing and re-finishing original floor boards, giving original glazing some tender loving care, to maximise the abundance of natural light – perfect for creating a wonderful sense of space to boost wellbeing. Original brick was also exposed and restored without taking away from time-worn patina. The design team then built an interior schematic for these majestic open plan office spaces, with tactile materials and finishes. The lofts are now bursting with natural light, character and historic charm – across the two top floors.

At ground level, the team also designed a boutique hotel style lobby to greet guests and tenants. With chic, custom crittal-glazed entrance doors, sumptuous velvet banquette curved seating, textural walls, real terrazzo floors, antique bronze and brass walls lights and custom-designed chandeliers, all adding to the welcoming sense of luxury.

We opted for a sophisticated, minimalistic brand identity that would appeal to the design-savvy audience in the heart of Bristol. Muted dark tones and luxe gold touches, discreet signage and wayfinding that perfectly compliment the impressive redbrick building and feels more like a boutique hotel than a workspace.