ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
Originally built in an era advanced by the popularity of the automobile, designs reinvent the car-centric elements of the building for the future. One of three ramps to the basement has been retained to create dedicated cycle access to end of journey facilities. The existing car park now provides expansive cycle storage for 600 bikes alongside showers, lockers, drying rooms, and changing facilities. Elsewhere, the two-storey basement is punctured with a void to deliver 16,500 sq ft of flexible double-height event space.
Space House is the largest Grade-II listed building in the UK to achieve BREEAM‘ Outstanding’. The deep articulation of the existing façade provides passive shading measures, and dilapidated parts of the envelope have been replaced to meet modern standards. A new, high-performing services installation utilises air source heat pumps, and heating and cooling is provided by bespoke chilled beams, which are designed to fit seamlessly within the existing radial ceiling coffers. The revitalised building provides a highly connected and diverse digital platform for its occupiers, with Fitwel 2-star and Wired Score Platinum certification.
The existing poor quality public realm, previously used as a private car park, has been enhanced to provide links between the ground floor retail uses in the two buildings. An existing onsite petrol station canopy at the base of the tower has been enclosed to become The Filling Station café, activating the street level and opening it up to public use.
Space House is the largest Grade-II listed building in the UK to achieve BREEAM‘ Outstanding’.
The building’ s purposeful massing and strongly articulated façade have stood the test of time and have been sustainably restored to respect its brutalist character, whilst setting the standard for the future of the workplace. The needs of tomorrow’ s occupier have inspired the creation of bright, generous, and democratic space, which will prolong the life of the building for many years to come.
Technical sheet Start on site Demolition works: July 2020 Construction works: April 2022 Planning granted: Nov 2019 Completion date: October 2024 No. of storeys: Tower – 16, Block – 7 Form of contract: Design Build Construction cost: £ 110M Construction cost / m2, £ 2,976.67 / m2,( GEA divided by construction cost) Estimated no. of occupants: Tower = 1,996 office occupants Block = 680 office occupants
www. squireandpartners. com
ARCHETECH- PAGE 62