Mason's Yard Office

Notably, the building was once the studio of renowned British photographer Gered Mankowit, where he took the most famous portrait of Jimi Hendrix ‘‘Classic Jimi’ in 1967. The project included converting a dilapidated garage into an attractive new main entrance and reception with a staircase to offices above. The new glass-to-glass corner provides an active frontage, light, visual connections and natural surveillance to both Mason’s Yard and the public alleyway running through the site. The alleyway was visually opened up by removing the existing wall on the garage side and supporting the floors above on a slender column. To create clear, functional, flexible and accessible office spaces, most internal walls were removed and the floor plates extended with a timber framed wing for washrooms, storage and services. Necessary compartmentation was achieved with full-height glazed walls, allowing long views and natural light throughout. To maximise light reaching into the plan of this tight corner site Greenaway Architecture took the existing short openings down to floor level and specified the slimmest window frames, as well as introducing large structural glass skylights. The flat roof was converted into a generous terrace with access via a bespoke full width sliding rooflight and new staircase. Bright-white finishes throughout maximise light, offset by crisp black details. The historic party wall was exposed internally on each floor to reveal warm red brick and provide rich texture. Greenaway Architecture designed bespoke ‘NINE’ typography for signage and manifestation. The works significantly enhanced efficiency through addition insulation, replacement windows and upgraded heating. The removal of the garage reflects a move away car use and the introduction of staff shower/changing facilities promotes cycling.