Bottle Works

The site boasts a rich history, with roots stretching back to the early 1900s, when it played a crucial role in the local industry. Originally, the building housed R White and Sons Ltd, where ginger beer was brewed and bottled. By the mid-1900s, it had transformed into a bottling plant for Unigate dairy, becoming one of the largest depots in the country. Millions of glass milk bottles were sterilised, refilled, and distributed across Guildford, Woking, and the surrounding areas.

In preserving the building’s heritage, we carefully restored the original structure, breathing new life into this historic site. Today, it serves a modern purpose, offering premium office space that retains the spirit of its industrial past. The thoughtful blend of old and new reflects the balance between preserving history and creating a space that meets the needs of today’s businesses. In doing so, we ensure that the legacy of this iconic site will continue for generations to come.

Sustainability was central to the Bottle Works project, guiding every decision from design and construction to ongoing operation. Aligned with a forward-thinking ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy, the development embodies a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. The building is designed to achieve some of the highest environmental standards in the industry, with the goal of securing BREEAM Excellent, EPC A, Fitwell 2-star, and WiredScore GOLD certifications. These accreditations highlight the project’s focus on minimising its environmental footprint while creating a healthy, energy-efficient workspace for tenants.

Selecting a construction partner who shared this sustainability vision was essential to achieving Bottle Works’ ambitious environmental goals. As a B Corp with a proven commitment to sustainability, Area was the perfect partner. Having met the rigorous standards of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), we have not only reduced carbon emissions but also led the way in fostering positive change within the construction industry.

A key driver of this project was the integration of circular economy principles. This meant prioritising durability, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling to keep products, components, and materials remain in circulation for as long as possible, reducing waste and minimising the overall environmental impact.

To reinforce this sustainable approach, the building features a sophisticated Building Management System (BMS), enabling tenants to monitor and control operations in real time. This provides insights into key performance indicators such as energy usage and indoor air quality and CO2 levels, empowering tenants to actively manage their environmental footprint.

The design of Bottle Works beautifully revives two historic buildings, blending modern, flexible workspaces with a respectful nod to their industrial origins. By integrating contemporary functionality into the original structures, this project harmonises the past and present, creating a dynamic and versatile office environment. A newly landscaped courtyard now serves as the main entrance, re-establishing the building’s connection to Guildford and offering a welcoming gateway for tenants and visitors.

The reimagined reception area offers a warm and expansive welcome to those visiting. Open, airy, and inviting, it flows seamlessly into a generous business lounge that serves as a bridge between the two original buildings.

The office floors have been meticulously redesigned to maximise ceiling heights, celebrating the unique double-height volumes of the former bottle works, where glazing allows natural light to flood into the space. A central lightwell ensures that light penetrates deep into the heart of the building, enhancing the overall working environment.

New facilities have been introduced to promote green commuting, with unused areas in the basement transformed into a bike store, complete with modern showers for tenants. Meanwhile, the south-west facing terrace and gardens offer additional outdoor spaces, fostering a connection with nature and providing a retreat for office workers.