victorian office project has innovation at its
Architecture for London
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 7,600ft2 to 10,150ft2. 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, and 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
Images: Architecture for London
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