Barker and Stonehouse Showroom Knaresborough

Luxury furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse identified an opportunity to transform a redundant car showroom site into an energy-efficient furniture store. Located at the entrance to both St. James Business Park and the town of Knaresborough, this 32,938 square-foot development provides a landmark building on this stand-alone site that has enhanced the visual quality of the existing retail environment while complementing the area’s natural landscape.

The design realizes the potential of the site by responding positively to the adjacent road network and by linking the development visually with the existing Retail Park buildings. The proposal utilizes the site’s geometry, topography and location to its fullest extent, to achieve a truly sustainable commercial solution. The interior uses contemporary glass and metal against the rustic backdrop of open brick walls and exposed wooden ceiling beams, reflecting the client’s own products and tastes. Bespoke materials including cedar louvers and redwood floorboards were used in conjunction with the glazed façade to create a powerful design statement.

NORR, along with Barker and Stonehouse, targeted and achieved a BREEAM rating system of ‘Very Good’ by utilizing low-energy heating, a unique heat-recovery system, natural ventilation and sustainable lighting design. The highlight is a green living roof complete with vegetation to attract insects and wildlife in the area, showcasing the client’s commitment to a greener future. The project was delivered with functional and formal requirements that make the first flagship store stand out both aesthetically, and as an example of sustainability leadership.

Photo Credit: Steve Sharp Photography