The headquarters of Marks & Spencer’s, the UK-based home products retailer, has received a radically altered appearance, along with retaining 50% of the existing built fabric. The architects have integrated a range of flexible and highly efficient office spaces to enhance activity and interest at street level. This has been enabled by offering an enhanced mix of uses and a substantial new public space to the streetscape.
A new façade has been added to the structure by integrating three glass masks. These glass-fills span the voids between existing blocks, and the central glazed section enfolds a seven-story atrium which is open to the public.
The ground floor of the building has received an extensive makeover and has been converted into a space to house retail units, cafes and restaurants serving residents, pedestrians and business employees. About 23 residential units are created at the rear of the building to serve as key worker and private accommodation.
A system of chilled beams has been installed within office areas to offer a controlled environment. This helps in gaining exceptional levels of energy efficiency and low running costs. The glazed mask forms are double skinned and fritted to prevent excessive solar gain.
The redesign and refurbishment has resulted in a 1950-built building that showcases higher energy-efficiency levels than a new build. In honor of these green credentials, the building has achieved Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)-Excellent certification.
Founded by Ken Shuttleworth in 2004, Make has studios based in London, Birmingham and Beijing. It is currently engaged in a broad range of projects worldwide, such as residential towers, office developments, transport hubs, urban master plans, civic and education buildings, low cost housing projects, and interior and product design.
