Neighbourhood North: maximum gain, minimum pain – transformational office redevelopment

Synopsis

This article explores the project aims, challenges, solutions and lessons learned in redeveloping an existing 1980s quayside office block in southwest England. A full-height side extension introduced a double-height atrium entrance and unlocked the full potential of the office floorplates. New, larger windows were added in the existing facades, which improved the building's environmental performance, including more daylight and reduced heat loss. The client has a strong sustainability ethic and cross-laminated timber floor slabs were included in the design, which aspires to achieve BREEAM Outstanding accreditation. The project achieved an overall SCORS rating of A+, bordering on A++, at 53kg/CO₂e/m², despite the extension itself having a SCORS rating of F.