Eastcheap

The refurbishment of 16-18 Eastcheap, provides a high quality workplace, alongside the addition of a new sixth floor mansard roof and terrace. The rejuvenation of this late-Victorian building in the heart of City of London, references its heritage whilst creating 30,000 sqft of functional, comfortable, and responsive workspace.

The façade was restored to retain the aesthetic of the building and modernise it; with the introduction of enlarge window openings, the external design has created a more welcoming relationship with the street.

Internally, the reception design and wall cladding are a nod to the site’s history as a weigh house with coffered ceilings and detailed timber cladding. It also incorporates a monochrome theme which reflects the office spaces throughout the building. The office floors have been designed to appeal to the traditional city tenants whilst also allowing for more creative tech-style occupants, establishing the opportunity for varied forms of occupation.

The existing building was extended vertically by two additional floors; connected by a bespoke folded steel staircase, the angled and curved design of the extension minimises the impact off the main road whilst adding a contemporary angle. Finally, the building is topped off with a roof terrace which is accessible by all tenants, this new terrace reconnects the experience of the building to its central location by unlocking panoramic views across the city.

Project Name: Eastcheap
Project Address: 16 -18 Eastcheap, London, EC3M 1BD
Client: Tellon Capital
Size: 58,000 sqft
Contract Value: £10m
Status: Built 2021
Awards: Finalist AJ Retrofit Awards 2022
Photography: Tim Crocker

Detailed studies, alongside M&E consultants Silcock Dawson & Partners, identified new additions and careful alterations to the existing fabric to improve its performance, and best position it for this next phase of life.

The site has been developed with input from SmartSpaces to be able to limit touch points, improve air quality and allow the building operations to be controlled via an app.

New lifts have been inserted into the building to provide level access to the new roof terrace as well as the basement cycle store and facilities. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from all the upgrades and new features of the building.

“We have enjoyed working with GPAD and their approach to and role within the team. They have maintained focus on the design and delivery of the building throughout and the end result is testament to the hard work and commitment invested in it.” – Paul Davies, Savills

One of the resulting research decisions was to replace the 1980s M&E system with a modern one. Working with Collins Construction, new windows throughout the building have improved its performance, and the mansard roof has been brought to modern insulation standards.