Blackfriars Road
Within the existing listed Georgian structure the brief seeks to create a mixed-use space for flexible offices and commercial co-working, with a boutique hotel offer on the upper floors. The commercial aspects of the scheme are focused primarily, although not exclusively, on the publishing industry. The opportunity to bring cultural and public uses into the building and to celebrate where they meet has been encouraged.
To achieve a suitable mix, the footprint of the building has been extended where possible. The existing basement is to be lowered to create generous workspace incorporating a central lightwell to bring natural light deep into the plan. At the rear of the property a language light coloured ceramics has been developed to express new elements. These extensions will reflect light down into the central courtyard and will be topped with green roofs.
The work will retain much of the original fabric. Where possible, original portions of the building will also be restored including the distinctive balcony across the building’s main façade.
A small block of new flats is cleverly integrated into the rear of the site to complement the mix of uses and provide funding for the refurbishment work. Materials include salvaged bricks and London Plane timber.