A grande dame reinvented

A grande dame reinvented
All Posts |

The landmark building 48 Leicester Square, formerly known as the Communications Building, has been given a new lease of life.

Dominating the western side of Leicester Square in London’s West End, with an attractive stone façade, this island block had undergone several major conversions since 1923 and become inefficient in the use of space.

The solution was complete internal remodelling while retaining most of the façade, with demolition of the top five floors and the installation of a new core, new floorplates, an upper storey of accommodation and a new roof. Make Architects was commissioned to envision this redevelopment, worth £40 million.

‘Our brief was to create a high-spec office building and we felt that the goal was not just to reimagine but reinvent, while also retaining the look and feel of the original building, which is liked and admired by so many people,’ said Make lead architect, Frank Filskow. ‘Our design makes the best of the existing building by retaining the historic façades, and sensitively restoring them to maintain the integrity of the original architectural features and details.’

Brookfield Multiplex was appointed to undertake this project which comprises 175,000 sq ft of new commercial space and shops. The ground floor offers high-end retail and outdoor dining space, and seven floors provide 90,000 sq ft of upgraded office space. The striking curved mansard roof with a contemporary bladed structure covers the top floor.

The sleek, modern offices complement the elegant style of the exterior, which is said to be one of the largest retained façades in Europe. The modern roof design is supported by a central core and new perimeter stanchions. This means that the office space is column free, with spans of up to 15m providing efficient floor space.

 

selo-news-addenbrokes-hospital2

 

Our minimalist Quadra door system was the ideal choice for this sophisticated setting. This metal door with an insulated core conceals unsightly riser doors and service cupboards. Provided fully pre-hung, with fitted ironmongery, it is quick and simple to install.

For more details of this distinctive building, visit www.lsqlondon.com

Images © LSQ London