Hunter Douglas provides a UK first for prestigious office development

New offices for an international law firm Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co within Birmingham’s Central Birmingham Business District at Two Snowhill feature a special Hunter Douglas ceiling system used in the UK for the first time.

The second of three phases, the 16-storey Two Snowhill is located within Birmingham’s Central Birmingham Business District and on the doorstep of Snow Hill Station.

The Hunter Douglas High Profile baffle system features in the offices for law firm Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co, the first time the system has been specified and installed in this country.

A total of 150 sq m of the Hunter Douglas special High Profile baffles in RAL grey was specified, with a 250 sq m of solid wood grill system in European Oak. The ceiling system was specified as it fits perfectly with the design brief to create an aesthetically pleasing and warm office environment, as well as a solution that would integrate seamlessly with the lighting specification.

The Hunter Douglas High Profile Baffle ceilings are ideal for large spaces, offering an adjustable and design-led system, that make them the perfect bespoke solution for major developments.

The system offers a deep section box section that is best suited for spaces requiring a one-way plenum mask or specific lighting effects. The adaptable carrier system allows baffles to slide back for easy access to lighting, sprinklers and diffusers.

All Hunter Douglas panels contain from 70% to 95% recycled content and are created with a proprietary manufacturing process that ensures clean lines and durability. The system offers a wide choice of colours and finishes, providing designers and specifiers with a large degree of flexibility.

Project architects Weedon worked closely with Hunter Douglas and main contractors Wates to create almost 30,000 sq m of BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated Grade A office floor space together with retail and leisure units at ground floor level.

“The soaring full height atrium creates an impressive light filled entrance, with delicate structural truss work and scenic lifts adding to the dramatic effect,” explained Stuart Curran, of Weedon. “The high specification finishes and considered detailing further enhance both the public and private spaces.”

These high specification finishes include the Hunter Douglas High Profile ceiling system. Hunter Douglas’ range of ceiling solutions allows architects to explore designs with a variety of materials including metal, textiles and wood. The wide range of systems, colours and finishes offers true freedom of design, adding exceptional design, functionality and comfort to buildings.

David Fennell, chief executive of Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co, has described the new offices as “impressive, comfortable surroundings; offering best-in-class support for our hard-working people”.

The innovation showcased by the Hunter Douglas ceiling system is a feature on every aspect of the flagship office development.

As part of the external landscaping and located opposite the site along the boundary with Snow Hill Station, Weedon and landscape Architects HED have detailed and delivered one of Europe’s largest green walls.