The project comprises alterations to an old cinema building which had been converted for office use in the 1980s, together with extensive refurbishment. The client wanted to open the building up for community use to provide flexible office space and meeting spaces for local groups.
AAB architects carried out detailed investigations into the fabric and structure of the building, in order to develop a cost effective approach to reuse of the previous insertions into the building, including the concrete stairs, steel-framed floor structure and fire compartmentation. Discovery of a previously formed opening in the street elevation that had been blocked up enabled planning permission for a large opening in the locally listed façade.
Original decorative features of the building were documented and a strategy for retaining and reusing existing building elements of was developed
The original gas boilers for the building are to be replaced with a new condensers and fan-coil units. AAB architects’ scheme placed the condensers within the enclosure of the building, requiring detailed work with the services engineers and acoustic consultant to attenuate noise while providing sufficient air flow.
Client: London Borough of Camden
Work stages 0-4, 2021-2024
