The Tribune

A local firm of architects believes it has set “a new standard for commercial buildings” in The Bahamas with its design for Lightbourn Trading’s property.

Doug Smith, of Arcop Architects, said that while the Tonique Williams Highway building was based on a standard steel-framed industrial building, the front elevation was designed to look more composed and expressive through an entrance tower at its centre. Its large shaded windows provide good lighting inside while helping to break down the scale

The design was intended to meet the brief set by John Lightbourn, Lightbourn Trading’s owner, who wanted a stand-out warehouse building that would attract customers and suppliers. He was also convinced that more interesting and varied interior spaces would improve workforce teamwork and productivity.

Lightbourn Trading’s office interior contains a sky-lit atrium, with tropical planting and casual seating; a theatre-style presentation room; and a large lunchroom. The warehouse area was designed around the racking system, and the concrete floor is finished in hardwearing epoxy, with innovative diagonal joints to prevent cracking and scuffing by forklift trucks.

Arcop worked with interior designer, Jacqui Derbyshire, on the project. The general contractor was Shevco Construction, and the Butler steel building developed by Island Industries.