Wenlock Works, an existing 1980s post-modern office building, has been transformed into a high-quality, contemporary workplace in the heart of Shoreditch. The refurbishment and re-cladding of the office building has dramatically improved the appearance of Shepherdess Walk in London.
Whilst working with the existing structure, the introduction of high-quality finishes helps to enhance access to natural light within the building. The retained concrete-framed building was previously split into two halves, to accommodate both offices and a printing press. To unify the two elements, a concrete dividing wall was removed and the existing roof structure was replaced with a lightweight two-storey steel structure.
This increased the floor area by almost 40% and bringing the total square feet to 130,000. The new steel frame needed less strengthening works to the original structure and justified 93% of the existing foundations to carry the loads from the additional storeys.
The new steel structure has created a fully functioning, modern top floor space, while providing high levels of natural day light due to the structure’s set back from Shepherdess Walk’s Northern boundary building line.
Billington Structures have provided over 850 tonnes of structural steel for Sir Robert McAlpine on this project.
The project has been shortlisted for the Structural Steel Design Awards 2021.
End Client
Stanhope PLC
Main Contractor
Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
Architect
Buckley Gray Yeoman
Engineer
Hayne Tillett Steel
Value
£3,300,000
