Project Overview

Merit Interiors embarked on a heartwarming journey with Berry Street, a revered child and family services organization, to create a sanctuary of hope and healing in Preston. The vision was to build a versatile community area that would not only enhance local mental health and well-being but also stand as a beacon of comfort and inclusion for all who entered its doors.

The project was a tapestry of dedication and empathy - each corner of this space was designed for its employees and guests, ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, felt a sincere embrace upon arrival.
From the outset, Merit Interiors was committed to delivering within time and budget constraints, aiming for completion by the end of February 2024. The result was a community haven that not only met the practical needs of its guests but also radiated a sense of belonging, community, and peace.

As the project reached its conclusion, there was a profound sense of achievement and purpose. This community area at Berry Street became more than just a physical space; it became a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of compassion. It stands today as a nurturing environment where the seeds of mental well-being can take root and flourish, a place where every guest feels valued and at home.

Project Commissioner

Berry Street

Project Creator

Merit Interiors

Project Brief

In an effort to design a welcoming and secure environment for both staff and guests, we created a sanctuary that captures the essence of a “home away from home.” The project brief was clear: create an inclusive and safe/secure environment for a range of guests while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere.

One of the primary challenges was ensuring the safety of guests without compromising the welcoming feel of the space. Specific consideration on design, such as optimised lighting and strategically positioned secure doors, enhanced the secure environment, while maintaining the design intent.

Our design team focused on creating an atmosphere of comfort and connection. We incorporated flexible spaces, including consultation rooms and meeting areas, to support a range of activities. Design choices were tailored to foster connections between employees and guests, creating a sense of warmth through the placement of comfortable furniture and ambient lighting. These elements provide comfortable spaces where staff and guests to feel supported while sharing stories.

Collaboration with experts and stakeholders was crucial. Despite managing tight time and budget constraints, our proactive approach ensured the project’s completion by February 2024. The Berry Street Support Services space is more than just a community area; it is a space designed to nurture, protect, and connect, standing as a pillar of hope and restoration for all who enter.

Project Innovation/Need

The Berry Street Support Services project addressed a critical need for a versatile community space that could cater to diverse guests while promoting mental health and well-being. Our innovative approach ensured above-and-beyond DDA accessibility throughout, with detailed consideration of acoustics while providing an inclusive environment for all. We provided a space that supports neurodiversity, through thoughtful design elements like optimized acoustics and lighting, enhancing comfort and ambiance.

The project introduced flexible spaces, including consultation rooms and one-on-one areas equipped with the latest technology. This setup allows Berry Street to offer tailored support, effectively meeting a wide range of needs in a variety of spaces.

Material and color choices were meticulously selected to reflect Berry Street’s commitment to comfort. Soft pastel tones, calming blues, and warm timber accents create a homely atmosphere. These features, combined with a design that caters to sensory sensitivities, establish a space where everyone feels safe and supported.

The innovative design of the Berry Street Clinic not only fulfills current community needs but also sets a new standard for inclusive, versatile community spaces.

Design Challenge

Merit Interiors took on the intricate task of constructing a versatile community area at Berry Street in Preston, aiming to enhance local mental health and well-being. The primary goal was to create a space that could accommodate a variety of needs while maintaining a welcoming space for vulnerable guests. Time and budget constraints, with a completion target of February 2024, added further complexity.

A significant design challenge was integrating inclusivity and functionality. This involved implementing safety features, such as secure reception doors, without compromising the inviting environment. Addressing the needs of neurodiverse individuals requires careful planning of acoustics, lighting, and spatial layouts to ensure comfort and support.

Collaboration with external contractors presented additional hurdles, including issues with product availability and finishes. Our proactive approach involved constant communication and sourcing alternative materials to stay on schedule and within budget.

Despite these challenges, we successfully balanced practical and aesthetic considerations. We chose materials and colors that evoke warmth and comfort, ensuring the design aligned with Berry Street’s, palette vision and values. The result is a thoughtfully designed space that supports the well-being of all its guests, for now and in the future.

Overall, the Berry Street Clinic project demanded a harmonious blend of practicality and creativity, delivering a community area that meets immediate needs while fostering long-term well-being and connection.

Sustainability

Our approach to sustainability was multifaceted, focusing on maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing waste. Firstly, we prioritized the reuse of existing furniture and repurposed storage units, reducing the demand for new materials and extending the lifespan of furnishings. Additionally, we opted for sustainable finishes with longer lifespans, ensuring durability and reducing the frequency of replacements.

Conducting life cycle assessments guided our decisions, allowing us to evaluate the environmental impact of materials and processes at every stage. We optimized lighting for energy efficiency, employing strategies to minimize electricity consumption while maintaining functionality and comfort.

We partnered with carpet suppliers dedicated to reuse practices to advance our sustainability objectives, fostering the circular economy and cutting landfill waste. Additionally, we closely collaborated with builders and building owners to maintain design uniformity and decrease the necessity for future modifications.

We also collaborated extensively with the building owners to integrate the new design as the building was being constructed. This collaboration included incorporating the exposed ceiling into the new flooring, offering choices over the base build carpet specification, and minimizing build and rebuild costs as well as significant product wastage.

By integrating these strategies into our approach, we aimed to not only minimize our environmental footprint but also set a precedent for responsible and sustainable practices within our industry.