Architects Datafile (ADF) – August 2019

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 slightly

24PROJECT REPORT: COMMERCIAL & WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTS

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