UK Hydrographic Office

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is the UK’s agency for providing hydrographic and marine geospatial data to mariners and maritime organisations across the world. Their visually stunning new headquarters in Taunton has been designed based on the concept of contours and currents by multi-award winning architects, AHR.

An impressive central atrium with feature stair connects the two wings with access to the upper floors reached by a feature stairway which leads onto open platforms and connecting walkways. The fluid lines and vast spaces gives the interior a sense of openness in such a large structure and is an incredibly inspiring environment in which to work.

Lusso worked closely with BAM and AHR on the internal glazing requirements to create administration offices, a meeting suite, training rooms, as well as recreation and dining areas to the ground floor. The use of Lusso 25 single glazed partition system and Lusso 105 double glazed partition system allowed for the different acoustic and structural design specifications throughout the building. The clever use of glass partitions has ensured that the requirement for a “one team approach” design brief has been met.

The UKHO can now boast highly impressive headquarters, befitting of a world leading geospatial information company. Opened by HRH The Princess Royal, it has now been nominated and won several design awards and is on course to achieve BREEAM Excellent.