Clerkenwell Office by Architecture for London
Location: Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M
This Clerkenwell office refurbishment and extension improves a character Victorian warehouse building. The property now provides six workspaces to the upper floors and a furniture showroom on the ground and basement levels.
The building has been substantially rebuilt and enlarged with a three storey upwards extension to the rear. An additional, set back rooftop storey is finished in zinc with large structural glass dormers. Internal areas are increased by nearly 50% from 7,600 sqft to 10,150 sqft. A lift, a new level entrance and a reconfigured stair are inserted to improve accessibility to all levels.
The new floors, roof and external walls are of lightweight construction to enable the existing foundations, cast iron columns and masonry walls to carry the increased loading without modification.
The rear of the building faces onto Albemarle Way, a narrow medieval road. Here, articulated facade details are inspired by the recessed brick panels, decorative lintels and visual weight of adjacent Victorian buildings. The narrow width of Albemarle Way dictates that the building is seen from a low angle, enhancing the effect of the articulated facade depth.
The emissions rate for all new build elements is 15 kgCO₂/m²/year which is a 34% improvement on the Building Regulations requirement. This gives a reduction of 3,000 kg/year of CO₂ emissions. In the retained parts, all sash windows were replaced with triple glazing to provide better u-values and airtightness.
Overheating analysis allowed the optimisation of the facade to provide good natural light without overheating or glare, both previously a problem due to large areas of south facing glass. An MVHR system reduces traffic noise and also improves indoor air quality by filtering NO₂ and particulates from the busy city road outside.
New zoned heating systems and low energy LED lights are specified throughout. Showers and bike stores are provided to encourage cycling. At roof level, PV panels provide renewable energy.
The removal of accumulated materials from the last 150 years allows a new focus on the inherent beauty and original clarity of structure: a heavy mass of brick piers, iron columns and timber joists designed to bear great weight. Oversized sashes and clerestory windows wash newly revealed, time-worn surfaces with natural light.
Architecture: Architecture for London
Project Architects: Ben Ridley, Matt McKenna, Moa Wintzell
Structural Engineer: FORM Structural Design
Internal Area Size: 10,150 sqft ( previously 7,600 sqft)
Budget: £3.5m
Photography credits: Architecture for London