The scheme incorporated a new reception area, a new core and five fully-refurbished office floors with amenity space. The building was finished to a high-specification and offered potential occupants great flexibility. The proposal sought to introduce a palette of refined materials to provide a workplace that stands out among the creative studios and workshops abound in this area.

Structurally, we sympathetically restored the existing red sandstone façade from ground to third floor and fully remodelled the top two mansard floors using projected dormer windows clad in pre-patinated copper. Our design significantly enhanced the efficiency of the building's floor plates by removing a stair core to increase the net floor area.

The interior of the office floors, in contrast to the ornate historic exterior, have a sharp, linear and modern aesthetic. Large contemporary artisan glass panels stretch full height from floor to ceiling, and form the striking backdrop to the main reception area.

Despite the restrictions imposed by the old building, sustainability was at the heart of this project. Efficiency was significantly improved by removing the second core in order to increase the floor area; other green features include the complete replacement of windows and services, a green roof and solar hot water.