Barker and Stonehouse Guildford

Following in the footsteps of its flagship stores in Knaresborough and Stockton, Barker and Stonehouse enlisted NORR to design a sustainable and modern retail store in Guildford, UK. The 2-story site spans 77,284 square-feet and is complete with a signature showroom, accessible parking and an in-store café. Situated on an old fire station at the edge of a prominent retail site, the building aims to uphold the standards and heritage of the Guildford area while leading the charge toward a sustainable future.

The design vision for the family-owned store was to deliver a unique shopping experience for customers while contributing to the environmental welfare of the area. Using a restrained palette of natural materials; glass, steel, exposed timber and brickwork, the building’s contemporary design aesthetic provides the perfect setting for the client’s products. The new store provides customers with a luxury retail experience in an easy-to-navigate setting, complete with clear wayfinding and two 82-inch interactive screens. The Queensbury Coffee House offers customers a chance to relax and refuel in the middle of the immersive showroom.

NORR delivered a store that is in line with the company’s ethos and branding, including a commitment to innovative design and sustainability. The project achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating using energy-saving lighting and thermal insulation. A living wall that has become synonymous with Barker and Stonehouse was designed to house plants and attract wildlife and reduce the building’s carbon footprint. The new site adds luxury retail to a thriving community and brings dozens of jobs to the immediate area.