The original veterinary practice was a 1960’s single storey building with a collection of uninspiring extensions, lying within a residential area to the east of Shepton Mallet, Somerset. The brief for the project was to create an open and spacious environment for the administration staff whilst providing a central focal point for the building entrance and customer waiting area. The key to this has been the emphasis on the main reception and waiting area. This principal space was created by the use of a double height spine with high level clear storey windows and this being flanked by the main consultation rooms, small animal and farm animal reception/admin areas. It was crucial that the practice could continue to operate whilst work was carried out and the phasing and operations plan was crucial to the contract documentation. The end product was awarded the LABC best commercial development in 2014 “Commended”.