STFC – Daresbury Laboratory

Our brief was to transform the seating and servery areas to the main restaurant space at STFC Daresbury.

We started by removing all of the additional areas and counters that had evolved over time, and streamlined them to allow for a more considered and calming customer journey. This included adding a much needed Grab & Go central island, to help speed up service; and reinstating and revamping the main counter to form a much more traditional served offer.

Both of these servery spaces now allow for the (amazing) food to take centre stage, and for the customer to use the space efficiently. With additional condiment and tray clearing stations adding to the upgraded new aesthetic, as well as enhancing usability.

The material palette of soft coloured timber, light concrete effect and white walls really allow the new space to feel clean, airy and welcoming. Our main goal for the interior design of the room was to focus all attention on the incredible views over the rolling Cheshire countryside. We achieved this by keeping the interior very clean and crisp in its design, with splashes of soft blues, beiges and timber throughout, to add a sense of gentle rhythm throughout the space.

Additional planting was included, to really soften the hard, linear room, and also help to tie the abundant greenery from outside, back into the space. Solar glare was tackled with new subtle off white blinds, and the disorganised space has been zoned and grouped to allow for a dining experience tailored to each customer’s needs.

The project was completed over one week, D3 Design provided all working drawings, project managed the build, and completed on time and within budget.