The building consisted of two adjacent Victorian warehouses which had previously been converted to offices. Our client needed more office space to support their growing business, as well as a wish to maximise site value.  Following an intensive feasibility process, it was agreed that the best solution would be provide the additional office space by extending to the rear with a roof extension providing residential accommodation to maximise the value of the site.

The proposed design solution was to extend the building to the rear and upwards by an additional 2 storeys while retaining and enhancing the character of the Conservation Area. This was achieved by raising the existing buildings’ street façade by an additional storey in brickwork to exactly matching the floor below. Above this is a light-weight structure of glass and metal cladding referencing the industrial heritage of the building while creating a new and contrasting aesthetic. By setting back the top floor extension and raising the building as existing the extension integrates seamlessly with the surrounding context.

A further challenge of the brief was the client’s requirement that the building be occupied throughout the construction period to allow business continuity. C&PA worked closely with the client and contractor to phase the works, allowing the construction of the various extensions and the internal alterations to be completed safely with minimal disruption. C&PA provided a full-service including contract administration.