Berghause HQ, Sunderland
The refurbishment and fit-out of the Berghaus Headquarters showcases the transformative potential of creatively reusing existing buildings. This project exemplifies how a tired and restrictive environment can be reimagined into a vibrant, modern workplace that embodies Berghaus’s brand ethos: ‘live for adventure.’ Berghaus’s decision to remain in its original building reflected a commitment to supporting the local community and a belief that even a dated industrial estate property could be transformed into a workspace worthy of a leading design brand.
The design process centred on collaboration with staff to deeply understand both functional needs and the brand’s adventurous spirit. This approach moved beyond conventional space planning and superficial branding to create an environment that reflects the passion for innovation and outdoor exploration shared by Berghaus employees.
The refurbishment stripped the building back to its core, creating a variety of flexible, open-plan spaces that foster creativity and communication. Bespoke elements like a climbing rope staircase, a Base Camp-inspired social area, and a product testing lab celebrate the brand’s technical innovation, performance, and outdoor heritage.
The headquarters also incorporates inventive design solutions that optimize both functionality and sustainability:
Garment ‘Sky Rail’ Storage: This unique product showcase eliminates dedicated storage areas, bringing Berghaus’s offerings into the heart of the workspace while increasing usable space.
Heightened Ceilings: Removing existing ceilings created vertical space, allowing for the installation of a highly efficient heat recovery ventilation system and new roof lights, which reduce reliance on LED lighting.
Energy Performance: Despite limited scope for upgrades to the building’s fabric, these interventions improved the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating from E to C.
The Berghaus Headquarters is an inspiring example of how speculative office buildings can be retrofitted into high-quality, meaningful work environments. By enhancing the positive attributes of the existing structure, aligning the design with the brand ethos, and introducing inventive elements, this project demonstrates that spaces can work better, feel better, and deliver exceptional value. Berghaus’s headquarters now serves as a benchmark for how thoughtful design can revitalize both a workspace and a brand’s identity.
above and right. entrance, reception, and climbing rope stair; the office swing, entrance seating and adjoining meeting rooms.
ground and first floor layout
left. ground floor breakout space, kitchen and dining area.
above. entrance stair, breakout space and landing right. first floor open-plan offices either side of central spine of meeting rooms and storage spaces.
above and left. central spine of meeting rooms and storage spaces.
left. first floor office and 'skyrail' of latest product samples
right. product display rooms - rucsacs, footwear and clothingDescription: Office refurbishment
Client: Berghaus
Area: 3000 SqM
Value: £1.2m
Status: Completed November 2015
MEP Eng.: Brontide Consulting
Struct. Eng.: Iesis
Lighting: Paul Nulty
Photography: Matt Clayton Photography
RT Team: Tim Robinson, Mark Gabbey