Project Description
The Schoolhouse is a former school building, sitting between Stanley Street and Portman Street, adjacent to the M8 motorway, which has been converted by LoftOffice into distinctive and flexible office space.
CRGP Limited had taken the third floor of the building, a space that retains much of the character features of the original building, and designed and managed the conversion. In doing this we have tried to retain and enhance the original features within the conversion.
The quality of light and space provided is ideal for a modern office and we have respected that in the design produced. We have cleared away much of the hard edges to create open, light, and airy spaces.
The office space is located along the original classrooms on the east of the building, with all current disciplines occupying this in an open plan office arrangement. An urban window has been formed to the south of the space overlooking the motorway and south side of the city.
The original school corridor has been opened up with the functions around it allowed to spill into the circulation space, and rather than have walls creating the edge of the working area we have used worktop height tables which define the space and provide informal break out and meeting zones.
The result is an office that integrates more creatively.
We have retained the original stone wall fabric around the perimeter of the building, and a range of original features appropriate for our use, such as the original folding classroom partitions which can be used to sub-divide the space if required, and the original natural cross-ventilation for environmental control.
In the new work we have attempted to design a contemporary style, to create a dynamic visual style between the old and new. The limited number of internal walls has been defined by their form and colour, providing a solid anchor to the central communal space. Meeting rooms and a ‘quiet room’ puncture these walls with fully glazed partitions.
Project delivered within budget and tight programme allowing a seamless relocation of entire business.
