The renovation of Nest’s Park Hill showroom
In 2021, Nest embarked on an ambitious venture, led by CEO and founder Christian Hawley, to relocate their designer showroom. The opportunity arose with the acquisition of the iconic Scottish Queen pub at the historic Park Hill estate, Sheffield.
The transformation of this space into Nest’s awe-inspiring new showroom is a testament to the team’s creativity, respect for heritage, and the seamless blend of modern aesthetics with brutalist architecture.
A legacy of architectural significance
Park Hill is a monumental housing complex built in 1961, providing 998 flats designed by architects Jack Lynn and Ivor Smith. The project introduced three types of apartments, creating a vibrant community that embraced the concept of “streets in the sky”. The estate’s brutalist design garnered international acclaim, and in 1998, Park Hill was awarded Grade II listed status, making it the largest listed structure in Europe.
The redevelopment of Park Hill, a joint venture by Urban Splash and Places for People, aims to restore life and pride to this iconic site, creating a vibrant and sustainable 21st-century community. Phase 1 of the redevelopment won national recognition for the city by being nominated for the 2013 RIBA Stirling Prize.
From shell to showroom
Christian Hawley acquired the space with a clear vision in mind. After many years of admiring the iconic building, producing photoshoots against the backdrop and working alongside Urban Splash on previous projects it was a natural next step for Nest.
When considering how Nest would fit alongside the space, he said, ‘It was very important to us that we make the most of the original space and features and complement it with the design of the interior, so we have invested a lot of time into getting everything just right. A considered approach that works in harmony with the existing architecture was something we felt passionate to achieve.’
The creative force of Harriet Paterson
To bring their vision to life, Nest enlisted the expertise of renowned interior designer Harriet Paterson. Collaborating closely with the Nest team, Harriet’s creative genius seamlessly integrated modern design with the building’s historic essence.
Speaking about the visual inspiration behind the concept, aptly termed “Verdant Brutalism”, Harriet explains: “The Barbican Conservatory has always been an inspiring space for me. Similarly, Ricardo Bofill’s adaptation of the abandoned Spanish cement factory, La Fabrica, integrates organic elements with the dramatic lines of brutalist architecture, serving as the creative starting point for this project. Inspired by these spaces the showroom design strikes a balance between Park Hill’s modernist architecture and the natural world, creating an interesting blend of organic and industrial elements.”
Crafting the foundation: Flooring and lighting installation
In October 2022, the transformation of the former pub began with the installation of resin flooring by Milestone Flooring. The confetti chippings added a touch of joyful sophistication, complementing the clean lines of the showroom.
Simultaneously, Tyson Lighting worked diligently to design a lighting scheme that accentuated the showroom’s ambience and showcased the products in their best light. The carefully placed lights brought life into the space, enhancing its allure.
A fusion of local talent
An open-plan kitchen area, courtesy of Sheffield’s Concept Interiors Ltd, served as a sleek addition to the showroom. Blending seamlessly with Park Hill’s urban style, the kitchen featured stylish units from the Zerox light and dark Concreto range, complemented by Cosentino Dekton worktops. Local Sheffield suppliers and contractors, including JLC Audio Visual and General Electrical Services, IDAQ Networks, Steven Slack Joinery Services, and Croft Security, played integral roles in delivering this project.
The staircase
The showroom incorporated a purpose-built staircase, sympathetic to the space’s industrial style. Crafted with perforated folded steel softened by natural oak treads, the staircase, supplied by Stoke-on-Trent’s Metal Staircase Company, offers easy access to the basement stockroom, previously used to store beer kegs for The Scottish Queen pub.
Illuminating the space: lighting design
January 2023 saw the creative vision materialise as electricians carefully installed the thoughtfully selected lighting fixtures. The interplay of light and shadow brought the showroom to life, accentuating the beauty of each design piece.
The final details
With all the elements in place, the long-awaited furniture delivery marked a moment of anticipation and excitement. Swiss modular elegance graced the space with the iconic USM pieces, showcasing the transformative power of design.
With meticulous attention to detail, the Nest.co.uk team, alongside Atlas, assembled each product that was brought into the space, curating room vignettes that celebrated the essence of modern design.
A testament to vision and passion
Commenting on the completion of the project, Harriet Paterson said: “I’ve long been an admirer of Nest, so collaborating on this project has been a wonderfully creative and rewarding experience.”
For us at Nest, the working showroom at Park Hill is more than just a show space; it is an enduring symbol of the fusion of history and innovation. The team’s unwavering passion for design shines through every detail, hoping to provide our visitors with an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sheffield’s thriving creative landscape.
After opening our doors in April 2023 we’ve loved being able to share the transformed space with customers. Seeing them interact with the products in person and offering a place to gather and hold design-led events.
