Walnut House Chambers
- Legal
- 2,150 sq ft
- Exeter
- Cat B
Services Delivered
Walnut House: A modern home for barristers. Reimagining a Grade II listed building in Exeter as a professional, welcoming, and heritage-sensitive workspace that supports focus, collaboration, and well-being.
The Brief
Balancing heritage with modern functionality
Bespa created a modern and functional workplace for a team of barristers in Southernhay, Exeter, within a Grade II listed building. The brief called for a professional yet approachable environment that supports focused work, collaboration, and client meetings while celebrating the building’s historic character. By balancing timeless elegance with contemporary comfort, the design carefully considered every detail, ensuring the space feels confident, welcoming, and connected to its heritage. The refurbishment includes subtle adaptations, such as accessible washrooms and a shower, while preserving the building’s original features and uncovering hidden gems to enrich the workplace experience.
Project Impact
- A workspace that reflects the quality and character of our practice
- An environment that works equally well for our team and our clients
- Layout that supports both focused legal work and client interaction
- A calm, considered environment aligned with the prestige of the practice
Space
Spread over three floors, Walnut House encourages social interaction and collaboration while supporting individual work styles. The largely open ground floor features a lounge and kitchen off the entrance hall, with reception and support areas nearby, enabling staff to connect throughout the day. Meeting rooms and focused work areas provide privacy, while common spaces foster team interaction. Heritage details, such as original mouldings, timber finishes, and quirky architectural features, are preserved and celebrated. Every area has been designed to enhance both functionality and atmosphere, creating a workspace that feels nurturing, cohesive, and comfortable for the team and visiting clients.
Design
The interior combines rich heritage colours with carefully chosen materials, textures, and furnishings to create depth, warmth, and visual interest. Contemporary furniture introduces a boutique feel, balancing modernity with historic charm. Every element—from wall finishes to lighting, furniture, and detailing—was thoughtfully curated to complement the building’s character while supporting daily use. The result is a layered, cohesive interior where tone, texture, and form work harmoniously, enhancing the overall experience for staff and visitors. Walnut House demonstrates how heritage buildings can be transformed into functional, modern workplaces without losing their soul, delivering a confident and approachable environment.