Wenlock Works reflects urban roots
- Project name
- Wenlock Works
- Project sector
- Workplace
- Completion date
- 04/06/20
- Client
- Buckley Gray Yeoman
- Ranges
- Fabien
Located in the epicentre of London’s vibrant tech scene, the once antiquated appearance of Wenlock Works has been reinvigorated, and its layout reconfigured, to appeal to the established digital leaders of Shoreditch and an increasing influx of innovative start-ups.
Led by architectural practice Buckley Gray Yeoman, the project has seen the Old Street building, which dates back to 1989, undergo both a structural and cosmetic redesign, cleverly reflecting the aesthetics of the warehouses that lined the district’s roads in the heyday of industry.
Large scale factory style windows have been introduced, serving a dual purpose of honouring the area’s urban roots and flooding the internal aspects with natural light. At street level, the exterior has been reclad in dark Roman brickwork, while sections of the original frontage have been retained and painted white. Taking its cue from the generous measurements of the constructs that inspired its transformation, the footprint of the Grade A office development has been significantly increased from its original size of 80,000sqft to an impressive 130,000sqft, while an upwards extension provides two additional floors. A horizontal zinc rainscreen cladding features on the upper storeys, echoing the appearance of the brick bonds below.
Senior Associate Adam Wood commented: “A key requirement of the project was to keep the carbon footprint to a minimum which is why we chose to extend upwards and outwards, rather than demolishing the structure and rebuilding it from scratch.”
Originally split into two distinct sections, each accessed via its own set of uninviting steps, a new central lobby has been created to provide entry directly at street level, resulting in an ambiance that is both friendly and welcoming. Internally, a double height space featuring an exposed concrete soffit reflects contemporary design concepts Smoky grey, charcoal, chocolate, and ivory shades pay tribute to Shoreditch’s rich industrial heritage, complemented by minimalistic fixtures, fittings, and furnishings in muted tones. Crisp and clean, Solus’ sparkling white Hulland tiles from the Assemble range adorn the reception wall and lift carts, providing the perfect juxtaposition to their worn and weathered surroundings.
Two original staircases, which previously enabled access to the former St Matthew’s and St Mark’s areas of the building, have been transformed into a primary stairwell adorned with the uplifting turquoise tones of Solus’ crackle-effect Octon tiles from the Vintage range.
Journeying through the facility, the urban influence is evident in the cavernous offices, where concrete ceilings compose a rugged visual, bolstered by the presence of exposed air conditioning systems, suspended from perforated metal rafts.
In contrast, the gender-neutral super loos add a touch of oldworld luxury to the proceedings. The self-contained cubicles, which feature bespoke sinks supplied by Solus, as well as the surrounding corridors and locker rooms embrace a modern interpretation of the classic Victorian aesthetic. Dazzling white Agatha tiles from the Fabian range bedeck the walls, sublimely contrasting with the dusty concrete-style Drope from the Hardline range which has been laid to great effect on the floors.
CREDIT
- Architect
Buckley Gray Yeoman
- Client
Schroder Real Estate
- Developer Manager
Stanhope
- Principal Contractor
Sir Robert McAlpine
- Tiling Contractor
Arcade Tiling
- Washroom Fitout
Stortford Interiors
- Photography
Beth Davis