Briefed to redevelop it for a new generation of tenants, we saw that making the building more permeable would raise its profile, giving it presence on two major City thoroughfares. By opening up Nun Court, a route which predates the development of Moorgate, we were able to make this link and create new retail frontage.
The two main facades of the existing building have been dramatically altered despite limitations imposed by the existing structural frame. On Moorgate, the existing cladding has been replaced with fine-grain Portuguese Moleanos limestone, chosen for its similarity to Portland stone which prevails in the City of London. On the Coleman Street façade, the main body of the building is clad in charcoal-coloured handmade Coleford brick that responds to a more varied material palette along Coleman Street.
By applying the same material across all three façades and the adjacent Nun Court, a cohesiveness is achieved between the existing architecture, newly clad facades and building extensions.
The generous 3,200 sqft reception aims to the reflect the aspirations of the high-quality finishes throughout the building and includes luxurious furnishings with warm tones. The use of reeded glass and the continued use of a warm green throughout references the history of the site, where a glass-making factory once stood.
Acknowledging the tradition of small hidden passageways throughout the City of London, our alterations to Nun Court improve cross-site permeability through the public realm. Both sides of the passageways are lined with scalloped jade green faience tiles that create an elegant rhythm which entices pedestrians through the new route.
Altogether, the project demonstrates our approach to retaining and refurbishing a building rather than knocking it down and starting again. As a result, the finished building still feels new, with generous floor-ceilings and the existing structure forming part of the architectural finish.
