The Optical Shop
The Optical Shop, Staines, Middlesex: redesign and fit out of retail unit
Key Facts
G. F. A. 207 m2
Net floor areas:
Display 47 m2
Dispensing 36 m2
Sight test 18 m2
Offices 23 m2
Ancillary 55 m2
Let as a series of
specialist subcontracts
This conversion of a retail unit within The Elmsleigh Centre for opticians involved the creation of specialised joinery units for the display of glasses as well as optical sight test rooms and ancillary areas.
The customer areas were at mall level with staff areas and a workshop at first floor level. The project included design and fit out for all these areas. A high quality interior was required which would support the sale of glasses manufactured by high quality brands.
Archadia developed a modular system of veneered display cases with transparent acrylic rods used to support and display the glasses. The cases incorporated lighting at high and low levels as well and provision for further storage.
Spaces between the cases were used for mirrors and allowed dimensions to be adjusted so that the same modular unit could be accommodated throughout the shop. In addition to these, further specialist joinery items included an island display unit and a reception desk. The project also involved new suspended ceilings, air conditioning, lightweight partitioning, new drainage connections and alterations to a sprinkler system.
The location of the unit within an indoor shopping centre involved Archadia in obtaining a complex set of approvals from the Centre’s Management and Building Control.