36 Queen Street
- Client: Lai Sun Developments with London & Oriental
- Contacts: Matthew Gray
36 Queen Street is a comprehensive redevelopment of an existing 1980s Office Building that had reached the end of its design life. This scheme combined the retention of the bulk of the existing structure and secondary brickwork elements with the replacement of failing curtain walling with energy efficient cladding, the integration of a discrete upper floor and minor rear extension to create a contemporary building to meet the requirements of modern office tenants.
The remodelling of the building with a new high-quality façade greatly improves the environmental performance of the building and with its new appearance enhances the presence of the development within the local urban street scene, complementing the local scale whilst presenting a fresh and contemporary appearance.
With increased floor plate efficiencies and clever extensions, this redevelopment has produced a high-quality sustainable scheme, utilising the best elements of the existing building, whilst combining the major refurbishment and partial replacement of the envelope to create an up to date building with all the qualities of a new development.
The new envelope has been designed to complement excellent, flexible office space within, whilst creating crisp and rational new elevations that respect and enhance the local streetscape.
Subtle changes in stone types create the appearance of two interlocking forms (each with a base expressed by textured stone) where projecting glass bays are used to “stitch” the two stone volumes together and provide articulation at their junctions. This combination celebrates the corner, as the building turns into Skinners Lane, adds articulation to the set back transitions and highlights the main entrance at the North end of the street elevation to create a balanced façade composition. A top floor is treated as a simple glass roof pavilion set back from all elevations that continues the material and detailing of the glass bays below.
A large open reception uses a mix of high-quality finishes where LED lit translucent concrete panels draw visitors from the street before transitioning into the reception proper by leather clad walls leading towards lifts and reception waiting areas. The reception desk acts as a focal point for greeting being defined by a backlit curved mesh curtain and a splash of colour. As a whole the reception procession creates a hotel style entrance that is welcoming to both visitors and occupants.
Open plan office space is developed to the upper floors with the projecting glass boxes not only providing additional floor area but also enabling users to be a part of the street scape and animate the façade.
Detail is considering for every element of the interior and façade to create a comprehensive and legible whole, creating a destination and a unique office environment.
