RETENTION
Emphasis was placed on retaining what was useful
from previous interventions, but ceilings were restored,
rooflights introduced and light décor applied
“gave us enough time to actually look at
it properly.”
The refurbishment needed to be
light-touch in terms of the structural
building fabric, due to the building’s listed
nature. Eaglesham says that the architects’
substantial experience in working with
listed buildings has taught them that the
restrictions are not now likely to be as
stringent as in the past: “We try to be
aspirational. It’s not about saying ‘no’ to
everything any more.”
However, beyond restoring the ceilings
and applying new light-coloured wall
finishes throughout, the emphasis was
on retaining what was useful from the
building’s previous interventions, such as
the timber-covered metal staircases.
Eaglesham: “We retained as much of the
previous fit-out as we could. Upcycling and
retaining in office buildings is the right
thing to do, including from a budget point
of view. It also helps towards the scheme’s
BREEAM credits.”
Despite the relative lack of external
interventions (bar a new roof terrace), the
interior layout was completely changed.“We opened up the plan as much as
possible,” says Eaglesham. The building
would also be open to the public, via a new
cafe on ground and first floor, breaking the
corporate mould. This was a high-profile
scheme: “All eyes were on this project,
hence why we hopefully nailed the interior
design,” adds the architect.A Well office
Rather than have a “giant corporate
reception,” the ground and first floors are
occupied by a coffee shop and bar run by
Australian chain Daisy Green (here in its
Little Green incarnation), Eaglesham says
the client’s idea of having public lower
levels is a “great use of a building.” The
space is enhanced by a double-height void
containing the staircase, which features
palm trees. Six trees in total were planted
in the office refurbishment, as well as
substantial planting on all floors.
The ground floor “repurposes what was
an under-used office reception as a public
amenity,” says Barr Gazetas, Eaglesham
confirming that the new coffee shop gives
the building a “real buzz.” This is slightly24PROJECT REPORT: COMMERCIAL & WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTSWWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK ADF AUGUST 2019
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