Originally completed during the late 19th Century, this building was occupied by the Whitechapel Job Centre. ThirdWay Architecture (TWA) was appointed by Castlerose Estates in July 2018 to appraise the site with a view to delivering either a straightforward refurbishment or an additional massing proposal. Following an in-depth feasibility study, TWA delivered a proposal that would achieve additional massing and improve the overall quality of the design without the need for a second core.
The design has maintained the Victorian aesthetic, combining the original architecture with a high contrast contemporary extension, and worked hard to celebrate the original features; the wooden sash windows and timber stairs have been repaired, with the original Victorian brickwork exposed where possible.
Careful consideration has been given to fire engineering the space, which allows a unique visitor experience, entering the reception with uninterrupted views up the central stairs and lightwell, through to the new build offices to the back.
The façade of the new office building is made from translucent and opaque glass panels, with anodised aluminium mullions and spandrel panels to deliver open views to the city, whilst still considering the issue of overlooking neighbours.
Internally, both the new and existing spaces are finished with raised access metal and timber floors, with exposed services and metalwork.