One Portwall

By Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

Client Nord Development

Award RIBA South West and Wessex Award 2025

The award winner tells us: "One Portwall Square is a simple, yet sophisticated, highly energy efficient office development that sets a new benchmark for commercial offices in Bristol. The scheme replaces a disused building, originally part of 100 Temple Street designed by John Wells-Thorpe, with a new six storey freestanding office set back from Portwall Lane by a lively public square.

The building delivers new levels of innovation, sustainability, and office design; combining modern and flexible floorplates with generous light and space. This was in reaction to the latest Grade A office standards, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to maximise occupant comfort and amenity for staff attraction and retention."

Extract from the RIBA Awards Jury citation, "The bold design – with south-facing balconies, striking use of colour, a robust and serviceable material palette of concrete, glass, galvanised ducts and sharp timber panelling, and generous spaces – is delightful, distinctive and functional. The building is also finely detailed throughout, with very well-considered use of building systems, materials and finishes, such as the carpet that is woven from recycled synthetic materials."

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal

Contractor Skanska

Environmental/M&E engineer Arup

Structural engineer Elliott Wood

Gross internal area 4,505m²