Architecture practice Barr Gazetas has secured planning approval for the retrofit of 220 Queenstown Road, a characterful local landmark, comprising two uniquely shaped brick buildings, which were once a factory that made caps for the British Army. Barr Gazetas’s designs will deliver 40,000 ft² of characterful office and light industrial space across five storeys, for client Nuveen Real Estate. Located at 220 Queenstown Road, within the boundary of the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area, the development currently comprises two outdated office buildings, linked by a glazed bridge between rudimentary 1980s roof extensions.

Barr Gazetas’s design unites the two original buildings via a new efficient core, whilst extending to the rear boundary and upwards to create two additional floors. Seeking to retain and restore as much of the original building fabric as possible, the design incorporates complimentary additions that make a clear distinction between old and new. The glass atrium created at the junction between the two buildings will make the most of the existing character, providing a sleek, contemporary contrast whilst highlighting the raw industrial heritage of the building and area.

Barr Gazetas’s proposal also includes a generous roof terrace served via a communal wintergarden accessed directly off the core. A combination of green and brown roofs will maximise biodiversity benefit. At ground floor level a café, co-working space and flexible events space will create a welcoming entrance, allowing the wider public to enjoy the building.

Tom Lacey, Director at Barr Gazetas, said:

“Our retrofit of this much-loved local landmark has focussed on creating vibrant workspace that celebrates the existing building, its structure and character, and places people at the heart of the scheme through generous communal spaces. We have gone to great lengths, as part of a low carbon and heritage-led approach, to re-use as much fabric as possible and promote circular economy principles for all new elements.”

Barr Gazetas has been working closely with Client Nuveen Real Estate and Development Managers V7 to target BREEAM Excellent as well as pushing towards net zero carbon. Great lengths have been taken to preserve and re-use as much of the existing fabric and structure as possible to support these goals and to embody the schemes Retro First ethos.