Films@59 Bristol office fit out

Office reception space with feature navy wall and timber reception desk

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Post-production meets proper human connection

Films@59 is behind some of the most recognisable television in the world, including long-running collaborations with David Attenborough. With multiple sites already established across Bristol, their next space needed to do something slightly different. Not just about expanding capacity, their new workspace needed to bring people together.

The new building – a former Bristol University townhouse – brings together private editing suites for hire alongside workspace for Films@59’s own team. The challenge was to make it feel unmistakably Films@59, while introducing a stronger sense of community and making the most of the building’s Georgian character.

Built for connection

Same brand, just more sociable

The brief was all about evolution. Films@59 wanted this space to feel consistent with their existing sites, but with more opportunity for people to cross paths – something their other workspaces don’t naturally allow for.

We took the core elements of their brand identity and softened them. Deep navy tones were lifted with lighter pinks and soft greens, creating a more relaxed, welcoming feel that still feels cohesive with their other locations. The result still feels on-brand, but less formal and more suited to shared, day-to-day use.

The biggest shift came in the shared spaces. A much larger breakout area – something missing from previous sites – now acts as the social heart of the building – somewhere editors, producers and clients can step away from their suites and connect more casually. Three teapoints – one on each floor – support this, alongside a mix of bookable meeting rooms and focus booths. Whether it’s a quick call, a review session or just a change of scene, there’s space to step away from the edit without breaking the flow.

Office teapoint with navy cabinets and oak parquet flooring — With a teapoint on each floor, there is no shortage of spaces for connection.

A space that works as hard as Films@59 do

Supporting production at every stage

This building works hard behind the scenes to support every aspect of Films@59’s business model. The ground floor is dedicated to kit rental – a key part of Films@59’s offer. It’s more practical in feel, with storage designed for easy access and quick turnarounds as teams come and go with equipment.

Above, the tone shifts. The upper floors are more client-facing, home to a range of post-production suites that vary in size depending on the project. It creates a flexible, almost coworking-style setup for production teams, with everything they need under one roof.

For a workspace like this, performance is key. Each production suite is acoustically rated to a high standard, ensuring complete sound separation between spaces. Careful detailing within walls, floors and ceilings prevents noise transfer – critical in an environment where even minor disruption can impact work.

Long-term collaborators also have their place here. Love Productions – the team behind The Great British Bake Off – now have a dedicated top-floor space, complete with their own reception. It allows them to still feel a part of Films@59, while having a distinct identity.

The layout has been designed to avoid people feeling tucked away or cut off. You’re never far from natural light, a shared space, or another human – even if you’re deep in an edit.

Post-production suite office with green walls — Post-production suites of all sizes, designed and acoustically rated to keep distractions out.

Modern office reception space with green sofa — Long-term collaborators and the home of Great British Bake Of, Love Productions, now has its own reception area.

Historic character

Letting the building do its thing

Working within a Georgian townhouse brought both opportunity and challenge.

Previously used by a university, the building required three weeks of extensive strip-out and demolition before work could begin. From there, the focus shifted to restoring what made the space special, while upgrading it for modern use.

Original features were carefully brought back to life, including the gorgeous parquet flooring and existing doors where possible. These details add warmth and authenticity, grounding the space in its history.

At the same time, key interventions were made to bring the building up to modern standards. A new DDA-compliant lift improves accessibility across all floors, and the layout was reworked to make the most of the building’s natural assets – particularly the large Georgian windows, which flood the space with light.

The end result is a space that supports the intensity of post-production, without feeling intense itself. For Films@59, it’s a natural next step. A space that feels familiar, but works harder for the people using it every day.

External shot of Barley House in Clifton — The Georgian Barley House, now home to Films@59.

Design Features

Details that matter.

Soft timber details perfectly complement the original oak parquet flooring which has been lovingly restored throughout. With community and connection baked into the brief, there’s no shortage of places to pause – whether that’s an informal meeting, a quick catch-up over coffee, or five minutes to yourself between edits. And yes, the jars of biscuits are ready for when they’re needed.