Arca, Birmingham
Exposed services has been adopted for the office floor provided new LED linear lighting, ducted fan coil units and power distributed within the office floors.
53 Great Suffolk Street was built around 1890 and functioned as a blacksmith and meat factory before being repurposed into office space. The building was extensively renovated and expanded, which greatly increased the amount of available floor space. A new matching bay was put in place of the single-story section, and a new floor was added onto the roof. The designers carefully selected natural materials to create a unique workspace that would complement the building’s existing, raw character. Workers have access to a shared rooftop terrace, which is ideal for hosting outside events and offers exceptional views of the nearby listed warehouse building and the Shard.
By preserving and expanding the warehouse, the building retains the street’s historical significance and enhances social and cultural development in the area. The Great Suffolk Street was also improved by the development, with expanded sidewalks, more green spaces, and new street furniture, like a high-quality public footpath made of paving stones.
The project was awarded several accolades, including the RIBA National Award 2018 winner and BREEAM Excellent.
Exposed services has been adopted for the office floor provided new LED linear lighting, ducted fan coil units and power distributed within the office floors.
Watkins Payne carried out the Independent Design Review role for Block A at The Soapworks development.
Watkins Payne carried out the Independent Design Review role for 2 Aldermanbury Square, a redevelopment of the existing City Place House located at 55 Basinghall Street.
