The Committee of 25 approached the practice initially for advice on the condition of their existing 2-storey metal framed building at 2 Midsea Lane, Pembroke as it was increasingly costing more to maintain the structure which was over 20 years old. After some analysis and consultation with the Committee, who own and operate the Bargain Box Store, it was agreed to do a full review of the site potential with regard to providing both a new home for the Bargain Box Shop and some viable income for the Bermuda charity enabling them to carry on their charitable purpose in the future.
The initial brief from the Committee was a replacement building housing the Bargain Box Shop on the ground floor with rentable space on the first floor. We reviewed the economics of the project with consultants and advised the Committee that a third and possibly a fourth floor would be needed to sustain the immediate and future income requirements. The design brief was that the new building be sympathetic with the surrounding neighbourhood and buildings even through the zoning was Industrial. Also as the name of the charity implied, it needed to be handicapped accesssible and functional at all levels. The practice took the approach that any new building for the Committee needed to make a statement about their objectives regarding their service to the wider community and their immediate neighbours. We undertook a review of the surrounding buildings and produced sketch proposals showing a building that we felt would reflect the ideals of the Committee and be a landmark building on Serpentine Road for them. The site had, in effect, not a front or side view, but rather a view more diagonally on from the southwest. It was decided that the 'front' of the building needed to be softened to reflect a more residential form in keeping with the Reading Clinic and Bermuda High School accross the street. Ample verandas on the south elevation continue around onto the western facade ending at the more formal main office enterance to be used by the building tenants. The Bargain Box Shop would use the south facing entrance for access in their premises.
There were a number of issues with the site, the least of which was the proximity of the ground level with the water table, a mere four feet. This impacted all service systems from the water catchment tank to disposal of waste. Fiberglass water tanks and sewage treatment systems were used as these would be impervious to the brackish water of the marsh land in the area. The remaining building proceeded without other major issues and now with the building complete the Committee of 25 have moved into their new headquarters.
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