Next, Longwater Retail Park

Case Study

Next, Longwater Retail Park

Norwich

The Next Home & Garden Store, on the outskirts of Norwich, was completed six weeks ahead of schedule, with A²O providing the insulated envelope and rainscreen finishes. The new concept store represents the next-generation in retail.

This beautiful design has been replicated elsewhere, with A²O appointed for Bicester Retail Park, where, as well as a Next Home store, the design facilitated other retailers, such as Nike and Boots.

RG CARTER

A²O were very proactive and highly engaged through the design process and went above and beyond to meet our client's expectations for the façade - especially the stone finish and detailing. The project was a great success and the high quality of the façade cladding was a big part of this. We look forward to working with the A²O team again in the near future.

Trevor Terrington

Contracts Manager

Challenges

Working with Next Design on a new store concept required the design concept to be very closely scrutinised at every step.

The very highest standards were set for every detail of the building.

The bespoke Next limestone aerolite cladding materials had a 16-week lead time with little tolerance for delays.

As always with retail, delay is not an option. The opening date is set before long before building works have started and is critical for the opening.

Solutions

A²O ensured that all design elements were discussed in detail in a timely way with Next Design.

A²O supplied samples of all materials and finishes before works commenced.

A²O provided tracking numbers whilst the limestone was on its 6-week sea voyage to the UK. This allowed the main contractor to give Next assurance on material arrival dates.

A²O pushed hard to get the building handed over six weeks ahead of schedule.