The Boho Zone, Middlesbrough's digital and creative quarter, serves as the vibrant core of the Tees Valley's digital tech offerings, and currently offers a mix of commercial office space, live-work space, and residential space across multiple buildings. Boho X is the most recent addition to the Boho Zone.
Initially, the project was envisioned as a twenty-storey tower in Middlesbrough's city centre. However, our adaptive approach, in response to changing post-pandemic office space dynamics and our commitment to addressing the region's requirements, resulted in a substantial shift in project direction. Through close collaboration with Middlesbrough Council, the project was transformed to better align with the area's needs.
Boho X now significantly benefits the local community by creating jobs, fostering economic growth, and offering education and skills development programmes.
A multi-disciplinary approach
Upon reviewing the initial project brief, it was clear that the original design concept did not fully meet expectations, particularly in terms of resource use and sustainability. Close collaboration with Middlesbrough Council and the design team led to a comprehensive gap analysis, which revealed that a reduced building height and an expanded footprint would significantly improve both net lettable area and energy efficiency, driving the scheme’s evolution.
A meticulously coordinated space plan was pivotal in this development, ensuring efficient service integration without compromising the client’s net lettable area. By skilfully incorporating complex engineering systems and efficient space planning, the project was poised for successful execution, instilling confidence in its implementation.
We were entrusted with a comprehensive array of services for the project, spanning from its initial inception to an advanced RIBA Stage 3, commonly known as the 'Spatial Coordination' phase. Within this scope, we delivered a range of services encompassing structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (SMEP) expertise, in addition to fire and acoustic design solutions.