Wharf House

Welcome to our head office!

Wharf House was once the busy showroom of Ralph Allen, Bath’s most famous stonemason. By the time we discovered the Grade II listed building, all that was left was a derelict shell. Paul, our Managing Director, just couldn’t resist the challenge!

Paul saw the great opportunity Wharf House offered to Interaction. It was a chance to rescue an important historical building, but also to build our perfect head office; an exciting and stimulating space to work hard and have fun.

Experiencing the process of design and build from the client perspective was invaluable. We talked to staff every level of our business to understand their needs and aspirations, before our design team developed a scheme to satisfy them. Our Project Managers oversaw the transformation, ensuring the build ran without a hitch.

The project was challenging, from both structural and design perspectives. We took great care to retain the unique historical character of Wharf House, carrying out major reinforcement works to damaged walls. Original cast-iron roof trusses, stone and timber columns were restored, retained and replicated with patience and concern.

Our team also wanted to blend the building’s traditional charm with modern ways of working and the style we chose for our interior is modern and energising. We have a steel and timber spiral staircase, curved walls and textured wall coverings, coloured glass partitioning and bespoke lighting. A striking glass atrium tops the building and floods the central workspace with natural light.

Our design was also based around our environmental values. Photocell lights are operated by movement sensors, ensuring lights are only used when space is occupied. Our carpets are sustainably sourced and the non-directional pattern reduced wastage during installation. A state of the art heating and cooling system maintains office temperature with minimal electrical use and the atrium acts as a valuable solar gain.

Wharf House really is our perfect head office. It was created by our entire team and reflects all the little things we find important. We have a workspace in which to be creative and productive, but that also appreciates the value of our people. We have a gym, a cafe/bar, breakout areas with soft seating, a games space and a quiet room to help our staff strike a healthy work/life balance.

We are really proud of our achievements at Wharf House. If you’re ever passing by, please drop in. We would be delighted to show you around!