Albion House, Newbury
Location: Newbury
Client: McKay Securities plc
Status: Completed
Albion House is a smartly presented listed red brick Georgian house located on Oxford Street in Newbury. It was previously extended in the early 1970s by Sutton Griffin Architects who added a two-storey glazed extension to form their own practice’s office. This revisit to the building over 30 years later included a complete refurbishment and the introduction of a new contemporary entrance to accommodate a reception and link between the listed house and the mid-century addition.
Working with a listed building is always a challenge and with the main entrance coming through the front door straight off the street there was no space for a visitor waiting area and reception inside its entrance, as the access and flow through the existing building would be compromised.
Our idea was to close off the front door and relocate the main entrance to the rear of the building, beneath an under croft and via a new extension that linked the two parts of the office complex – directly oppose the parking courtyard. Convincing the conservation officer was the main challenge as the site was located in a conservation area with strict planning regulations, but working closely with them ensured that the intention of the design was understood and agreed to.
We used the existing under croft access to signpost towards the new entrance and included a new integrated gate as part of the design – to prevent unauthorised access into the rear of the building outside of office working hours.
The most striking part of the project is the new main entrance and reception. Constructed in limestone, granite, frameless glazing, American walnut timber and bronze inlay to the stone. The contemporary reception complements and contrasts the character of the original building and provides a modern addition to a suite of buildings, that is of its time in the same way that they are of theirs.
The refurbishment of the office spaces included the replacement of the curtain wall windows on the 1970s extension and extensive alterations to all aspects of the interior and fitout, alongside new lighting, and mechanical building services, which were introduced to provide flexibility and a modern working environment.
The client was very pleased with the result, and occupiers responded positively to the design and atmosphere of the refreshed Albion House. They appreciate the welcoming and flexible environment, which allows them to enjoy a range of configurations and working experiences.
Ian Blake designed Albion House whilst at Sutton Griffin Architects