Northern Counties Building

The new build site was to the rear of the main historic façade of the listed existing. This offered the following functional advantages: It resolved disability access throughout the building, it resolved the fire escape strategy by placing a single stair tower in the middle of the building which was within the required travel distances; it provided for quality additional office space which enhanced the building’s appeal to potential tenants.

Our challenge was to create a crisp modern piece of architecture which would sit comfortably against the solid architecture of the existing historic façade. The extension acts as an example of how people should maximise the potential of the rear of urban sites and not treat them as places that cannot be seen.

Therefore, by building over 4 storeys views are opened up to the river. The glass box extension can be glimpsed down the alley between the Northern Counties and the GPO and adds a new dynamic and excitement to the street.

The use of natural light and natural ventilation was a strong concept and by creating open courtyards and rooflights we were able to bring light down into the core of the building.