Birchwood Building
Location:
Leatherhead, England
Client:
Nuveen Real Estate
Lead Designers:
Jonathan Silver + Satchel Tang (during employment at Silver & Co)
Credits:
Silver & Co (Interiors, Architecture & Branding)
Hollis (Project Management + M&E Engineering)
Faithdean Plc (Main Contractor)
Clancy Consulting (Structural Engineering)
Phillip Cave Associates (Landscape Design)
Elektra Lighting (Lighting Design)
Taylor & Tang (Photography)
Scope of Work:
RIBA Stage 0 to 6 - Concept to Completion
Birchwood Building, formerly known as Chaucer House, was a 1980s office building located in Leatherhead Business Park. It was in need of an update to cater to the current office market and we were invited to propose a Cat A refurbishment to give this tired building new life.
Our design approach was firstly to identify the architectural, interior and landscape elements that no longer served their purposes. We then addressed these issues with the aim of creating a more harmonious, welcoming, environmental friendly and feel good building that helped to promote wellbeing for the end users.
Following our initial site survey, we gathered from the previous occupier that the dated-looking brise soleil was not at all effective. We also noticed how small the entrance porch was, in comparison to the building. The reception area though big, felt claustrophic, uninviting and underused. The toilet and shower facilities needed a refresh and there was a courtyard which sadly had no direct access for the occupier.
Our first design proposition was to create a main entrance that was proportionate to the building. A new curved canopy structure was introduced to further accentuate this enlarged entrance, taking inspiration from the existing curved roof and driveway. The ineffective brise soleil was removed, which instantly made the building look more contemporary.
A new feature curved staircase was introduced in the double-volume reception space and the existing oversized staircase was removed. By doing so, much welcomed floor spaces were gained in both ground and first floor, where the old staircase was. This then allowed for a new location for the reception desk, several breakout areas with different types of seating arrangements across both floors, catering to the needs of everyone. Along with the addition of a teapoint, this reception area now feels inviting, welcoming, inclusive and spacious.
To make this reception area feel even more spacious, full height shelving units across the back wall extends from ground to first floor, with concealed lighting leading the eyes all the way to the top. Similarly, the shelving unit at the teapoint makes use of this principle.
Visual connection from the reception area to the courtyard has been introduced by changing the solid timber office doors to glazed ones. A pair of new double glazed doors has also been introduced on the ground floor office, leading to the once hard-to-reach and underused courtyard. With new landscaping and sustainable composite decking, to complement the two existing retained matured Birch trees, which gave the building its new name, occupiers are able to now make full use of the outdoor space to connect with the nature and for activities such as informal meetings, lunch breaks, yoga and stretching before or after work.
To contribute to healthier living and better environment, new electric car charging points and an outdoor 40-space secure bicycle store were installed, along with new showers, superloos and locker facilities, making this workplace as convenient, enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
To help soften the steel frame building and overall environment, much thoughts and care have been given into the lighting and landscaping, making this building a pleasure to be in all day and all seasons.
