The White Chapel Building Derwent London Tower Hamlets, London Sector Workplace, Retail and Hospitality Our Role Interior Design, Architecture Status Completed Size Phase one 21,200 m2 / 228,195 ft2 Phase two 7,430 m2 / 80,000 ft2 Fletcher Priest has transformed a solid 1980s office block on Whitechapel High Street into building aimed at developing an attractive base for creative industries. The 200,000 sq ft of workspace was let by Derwent London in record time to creative, media and tech organisations including the acclaimed Government Digital Service, Unruly and Wilmington. Rather than undertaking a full demolition - which would have been highly wasteful in materials, as well as time and cost - the original building was re-purposed, and much of the building material recycled. By re-using the existing services, innovatively re-purposing existing fittings, and revealing the otherwise hidden qualities of the building, the project extended the life of the original building. The granite facades have been saved and cleaned, and the perimeter of the building now benefits from improved landscaping. At the heart of the scheme, surrounded by a light-filled, seven-storey atrium, is the building’s public area, open to all and home to sculptural furniture, a bar and café. It offers views and a direct connection through to a new garden terrace. These communal spaces reinvent the reception as a public ‘living-room’, significantly enhancing the local offering around Aldgate East. It is informally divided into social zones, each with a distinct atmosphere, allowing occupants of the building and the public to work, relax and socialise. The new terrace overlooks what was once a bleak back-of-house area for plant and waste management, but is now a landscaped pocket park popular with people taking lunch in the sunshine. High quality, elemental materials such as oak and exposed concrete have been used to create warmth and a relaxed, domestic atmosphere. Mid-century modern furniture and textiles have been sourced for the atrium and lift lobbies. Encouragement of cycling - with a 187-space cycle store, lockers and 20 showers - is further evidence of The White Chapel Building’s commitment to sustainability. The second phase of the transformation has seen the replacement of the redundant lean-to against the west façade with a sleek first floor pavilion. Image Credits Hufton + Crow Adelina Iliev Practice → Approach People Community Awards Publications Careers Services → Architecture Interior design Urban design Research Sectors → Retail hospitality Workplace Culture sport-leisure Residential Education Contact → Social MailChimp Linkedin Twitter Instagram Facebook Copyright © fletcher priest architects 2021 We use cookies to help us improve your experience on our website. By closing this notification or interacting with the website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more → I accept