Brandon Yard, Bristol
Benchmark was appointed to manufacture street furniture for Brandon Yard, as part of one of the biggest regenerations on Bristol harbourside for many years
Working closely with Matthew Wigan Landscape Architects, Benchmark was appointed to manufacture the required external furniture.
A large central courtyard opens up to the stunning vista of Brunel’s famous ship, the SS Great Britain. The heavily engineered site called for a simple yet solid pallet of materials. With this in mind, Benchmark opted for a modified version of their Exeter range.
The layout lent itself to using the EX005L bench with angles cut at each end to mimic the paving and planting. Additionally, the steel legs were folded to match these angles.
Backrests were added to some benches to create informal seating. Armrest can also be added at any interval.
In addition to the benches, Benchmark was asked to design and engineer a large communal table. At just over 6m long the logistics of manufacturing and delivering took some careful thought. As there was limited space on site it was produced it in two parts then joined together. The hardwood timber top is completely independent of the legs making lifting and manoeuvring much easier. A slotted framework keeps the timbers in place, giving it substantial strength. The final outcome is one long, flowing table that creates a unique central feature.
Wall-mounted versions of the benches were also created to provide a tranquil seating area in a new public realm. Once again backrest can be positioned at any point to offer a seat version.
Overall this robust yet beautiful transformation of the former gasworks has created one of the most desirable developments on Bristol’s Harbourside that not only retains the character of the former building but also enhances the surrounding area.
