Eleven Station Road

The Process

We began at Eleven Station Road with significant structural alterations, primarily involving staircases. We removed an internal staircase from the ground to the fourth floor, as well as a feature staircase spanning from the ground to the first floor. Additionally, we extended an existing staircase from the ground floor to the basement, providing central access from the new reception area to all floors. A new external escape staircase was also installed to comply with the fire strategy.

In reviewing the designs, we identified an opportunity to reduce the size and number of M&E risers throughout the building, simplifying structural requirements. This allowed us to remove redundant steel and retain the minimal ceiling height required for services, a win-win situation for both us and the client.

We also eliminated a redundant riser in the south staircase, infilling the slab to gain the client an additional 2 square meters of net lettable space on each floor.

The team reconfigured the basement changing rooms to address headroom and structural beam issues. As a result, the changing rooms were relocated, with a knock on effect that allowed us to optimise space in the existing plant room, meaning that additional car parking spaces were created in the basement, which contributed to the projects BREEAM application.

We also decided to remove the plastered perimeter wall finishes due to a 400mm band of exposed blockwork. To prevent potential cracking and the need for future maintenance, we dry-lined all walls and columns, ensuring longevity and minimise post-completion defects.

Challenges

The ramp into the reception area, originally designed as steps, required modification to achieve level access. Our team had to lower the slab to match the existing street level. Although all existing services were supposed to be removed, we discovered a gas meter and supply still in place beneath the slab. Isolating the gas supply in the street caused significant delays, turning the time of completion of the entrance into a moving target.

However, through diligent communication with both the client and subcontractors, we completed the entrance without adding delays to the overall project.

Design

The changing rooms were completed with high-end finishes, generating a crisp look and feel. The reception area creates an immediate impact upon entering the building, with its bright space and subtle design features offering a welcoming environment for all visitors.

With a delicate balance of exposed services and contemporary design, the building achieves the industrial, urban, yet welcoming aesthetic the client desired.

• The project was working towards a BREEAM Excellent accreditation, to which we are still awaiting the results.