ArkleBoyce were commissioned by Aberdeen Investments to redesign and revive 1 America St, transforming it into a contemporary workplace with new end of journey facilities.

The red brick building is located in the heart of Southwark. Formerly a warehouse, the building lacks a distinctive street presence or character with a mishmash of window types. The challenge, therefore, was to capture some of this lost identity bringing visual clarity to the building.

While the east façade is visually prominent from Southwark St, the main entrance, alongside the vertical circulation core, is tucked down America St. A key consideration was to ensure that orientation for visitors becomes more intuitive and doesn’t relying on wayfinding.

The proposals include new double glazing throughout, and these upgrades will aim to consolidate the design language of the exterior with reference the original light industrial architecture. To give the building a stronger sense of presence, rather than continue to add windows of varying styles, we are seeking to add ‘rules’ for the glazing to follow, to create a more consistent identity.

The lower ground floor has limited natural light, so in response, we reconfigured the ground-floor windows to introduce new lightwells to bring light into the previously dark lower floors.

At the main entrance, double height glazing was introduced to add a focal point to an otherwise uniform façade. This height continues internally within the reception, adding drama to the arrival sequence.

Weaving influences from the building's light industrial heritage, the designs are based on a palette of oak, stone and brass to create a detailed yet peaceful space. Engaging a new generation of artisans with modern tactile materials and details.

In the reception, a long oak banquette seat blends into the stairs creating a comfortable space to wait or work and animating the space.