Brightwells Yard
September 2024
Project Brightwells Yard
This vibrant destination offers something for everyone, with a new 23-unit shopping centre, a six-screen cinema, seven cafés, bars & restaurants, together with beautiful open spaces, 239 new homes and a multi-level storey car park.
The Project
Brightwells Yard is becoming the buzzing hum of the vibrant town of Farnham in Surrey, breathing new life into the historic town.
This vibrant destination offers something for everyone, with a new 23-unit shopping centre, a six-screen cinema, seven cafés, bars & restaurants, together with beautiful open spaces, 239 new homes and a multi-level storey car park.
The Brief
In late 2021, Daylight London embarked on a transformative journey with Crest Nicholson at Brightwell’s Yard in Farnham. This mixed-use development, referred to us by a luxury house developer, required a sophisticated blend of contemporary design and heritage sensitivity. Challenges ideally suited to our expertise.
A number of big-name brands have been confirmed for the shopping centre including Marks & Spencer, Reel Cinema, Nando’s, Heaven’s Kitchen, Cook and Seasalt. Crest Nicholson needed a glazing partner to advise, design, supply, install and project deliver specialist glazing across all 30 commercial units and communal access areas (car-parks, bin stores, secure cycle sheds etc).
Original Site & Plan
Main Clients
Main Contractor & Architect
Glazing Systems Used
The Challenge
Brightwells Yard presented a unique challenge. A 23-unit commercial centre comprising a cinema, restaurants, bars, and more, set within a historically rich environment. The project demanded a glazing partner with the flexibility to navigate the intricacies of modern commercial needs and the nuances of heritage preservation.
Our Approach
Rooted in our 'D Philosophy - Design, Dedication, Dependability & Delivery - Daylight adopted a comprehensive and holistic strategy that also provided flexibility, adapability & contingency
Design Ingenuity
For the Coppa Club Restaurant, set in a Grade II listed 18th Century building, our solution was twofold. Heritage timber sliding sash windows and French doors were used to maintain historical authenticity. Concurrently, modern elements such as large span glazed units and a Brise Soleil feature were seamlessly integrated, marrying old with new.
Technical Adaptation
The Reel Cinema presented complex technical requirements. We designed a curtain wall system with structural mullions capable of supporting heavy signage while maintaining aesthetic coherence. In other areas, we employed fire-rated curtain walling, ensuring safety without compromising on style.
Execution & Results
Daylight’s commitment to precision and excellence is evident in every aspect of the large scale project.
Coordinated and managed the design, supply, and installation with remarkable efficiency.
Managed the technical design and RFI requirements of all elements.
Managed diverse partners and subcontractors, aligning each component with Crest Nicholson’s high standards and schedules.
Balanced SAP calculations for thermal efficiency, fire rated systems requirements and multiple system types, navigating the complexities of modern glazing requirements.
Conclusion
The Brightwells Yard project stands as a beacon of Daylight London’s ability to excel in complex environments. Daylight’s adherence to the 'D Philosophy' meant not only meeting but exceeding expectations, delivering a perfect blend of heritage respect and modern efficiency. This project serves as a blueprint for future developments, showcasing our commitment to innovative design, technical mastery, and collaborative success.
Unit Schedule
We are managing the entire schedule of commercial unit installations and working on sequential and concurrent phases, ensuring we are meeting the priorities of all stakeholders.
Impact
Beyond the tangible results, the project at Brightwells Yard has had a broader impact. The project demonstrates how thoughtful consideration to design function and aesthetics can enhance community spaces, turning functional areas into vibrant, attractive destinations. Daylight’s approach helped establish a new narrative for mixed-use development, one where functionality, aesthetic appeal, and historical integrity coexist harmoniously and seamlessly.
