100 St John Street

100 St John Street has undergone several stages of regeneration and re-invention from the time of the original occupiers, the Stepney Carrier Company Limited. Originally an impressive 1930s Art Deco headquarters designed by architects Milner & Craze, this building was demolished in 1983 and replaced by an unremarkable office block.

We wanted to rationalise the existing pastiche 80s façade and to create a stronger, more sophisticated street presence, whilst maintaining a subtle nod to the building's Art Deco past.

We needed to rationalise and maximise floorplates, incorporate entirely new servicing, and provide new and extensive welfare provision. The aim was to create a unique identity and exceptional spaces throughout.

Our design needed to sensitively maximise opportunities while respecting the site’s location in a Conservation Area, near the Grade 1 Charterhouse Square and School.

This project shows how design can be developed into a commercially successful proposal that is delightful to occupy. We have substantially expanded the net area of the building on every floor and increased daylight, alongside the introduction of collaborative interior and branding design.

We integrated the use of detailed 3D modelling throughout the design process. This enabled us to coordinate the design of the exposed services to ensure the final design met client aspirations.

We wanted to improve the performance and efficiency of the building overall: we achieved an uprated EPC B and a BREEAM rating of Very Good.

We were able to retain the existing structure and the majority of the façades, which reduced construction waste. New services and high performance glazing has allowed the energy efficiency of the building to be significantly increased.

The soul of this site had previously been lost. In reinstating an identity for the building based on a strong architectural history, 100 St John Street now adds to - rather than detracts from - the streetscape for those who live and work in the area.

We maximised the floor to ceiling height to give a sense of space to all floors, bringing natural light into the internal spaces and enhancing views. By removing areas of the ground floor slab, natural light was introduced to the lower ground floor, linking the spaces, and creating newly useable floorspace. The introduction of glazed dormers to the fifth floor now allow light to flood in, with stunning views out across the city. Accessible cycling and shower facilities have also been introduced.

Flexibility to the office spaces and the services layouts is designed in: the building is marketable as a single or multi-let offering, with floors able to be occupied individually.