A structure reborn, Space House is an icon of mid-sixties brutalist architecture which is being reimagined as modern workspace for a city’s population that has grown by nearly 1.5M since it was originally constructed.

Designed in 1968 by George Marsh, Richard Seifert and C.J. Pell and Partners (now Pell Frischmann), this structure is an evolutionary development of its taller, older sibling, Centre Point built five years earlier.

We are extending its floorspace space by 25,000sqft, through the addition of lightweight rooftop floorplates and pavilions. We are opening up basement areas hitherto used for parking and storage for event, retail and A3 use thereby revitalising the street frontage to Kingsway and the development’s internal courtyard.

What we are doing

Pell Frischmann is providing Structural Engineering and underground drainage services for Space House’s refurbishment.

Space House comprises of two independent buildings, the seven-storey Kingsway Block and the 16-storey cylindrical Tower Block, connected by a link bridge at Levels One to Three. Pell Frischmann is working closely with architects Squire & Partners on a stripped back proposal which maintains the spirit of Seifert’s design and maximises the development potential of the original concrete structure.

Targeting BREEAM Outstanding, Space House is approaching a net zero carbon outcome, achieved through the full re-use of existing substructure and superstructure and the addition of light new floors to the top of both the Tower and Kingsway blocks. The existing floorplates were stripped back with ribbed slabs and services exposed, improving natural daylighting and ventilation and providing a functional flexible modern workspace.

This required a meticulous review of archive data alongside intrusive investigations of the existing facade and structure to establish the structure’s integrity with respect to load capacity, durability, fire, building regulations compliance as well as enabling an assessment of the structure’s long term residual life for our client.

Outcomes so far

Alongside our partners, Pell Frischmann’s work on this scheme will revitalise this extraordinary 20th Century architectural landmark, preserving and enhancing the Grade II-listed building and its environs for the benefit of both building occupants and the surrounding community.

Juliano Chapon, Associate, said:

Making the most out of the existing building stock is a fundamental requirement in moving towards a net-zero carbon economy. Space House is a prime example of how modern, high-standard office space can be achieved while maximising re-use and enhancing the characteristics of the original building.