Re-imagining the Building Centre: Co-working Space

In 2015 Roz Barr Architects was approached by The Building Centre - an organisation based in London dedicated to the promotion of innovation in the built environment - to prepare a feasibility study to ‘re-imagine’ the spaces within the building to meet the ambitions of this institution.

Roz Barr Architects saw an opportunity to carry out a series of improvements, to ‘showcase’ different materials and products. The practice contacted companies to use the project as a promotional tool; this collaborative approach celebrated good design and the application of innovative products.

A new co-working space was created within the context of the existing product gallery to provide a flexible working environment for internal staff, and leased to external companies.

Inspired by traditional libraries, the plywood enclosure is open to the gallery space but separated by a timber screen. Plywood panels were used to create a new enclosure, arranged on a grid to work with standard sized sheets. The plywood panels on the ceiling were perforated and backed with sound felt to create a quiet and intimate working environment. Framed areas of plasterboard, set within the panels, are used to project presentations or display work. An inlay of carpet in the plywood floor differentiates a central space to create varied working environments within one open space.

In order to comply with current regulations without compromise, the contemporary detailing uses plywood panels that are impregnated rather than surface finished. This allowed flexibility to modify items on site without compromising the fire rating. ‘Specialised Panel Products’ invested significant resources in developing this  product and are unique in using non-toxic finishes.

Close collaboration with fabricators - keen to display their workmanship in the context of this organisation - has been key to making this project a unique and exemplary piece of original design.