85 Great Eastern Street, London Building, Hoxton Property, Task Systems

85 Great Eastern Street London

Workspace Development in Hoxton, east London, England – design by HÛT

15 Jun 2009

85 Great Eastern Street

Location: Hoxton, east London

Date built: 2009

Design: HÛT

Existing building

photo : Hut Architecture

85 Great Eastern Street

Concept
Sitting between a Grade II listed building and the Hoxton Hotel this brick building has been transformed into 15,600 sqft of creative workspace. The concept behind the building’s striking reinvention is taken from Hoxton’s historical roots as an area of meadowland beyond the City walls. This is reflected in the main Great Eastern Street elevation.

External view of front elevation at night

photo : Daryl Seeley

Refurbished lower front elevation with entrance and glass fins

photo : Daryl Seeley

Internal Changes
A new woven stainless steel staircase in the front shop window links ground and basement levels, and provides access to and from the designated cycle storage area in the basement. A new vertical garden to the rear reaches up from the basement, providing fresh air and a green backdrop. Exposed brick walls with concealed feature lighting and a polished concrete access floor create a raw natural feel to the internal spaces where a series of translucent green and yellow glass blades pierce the building elevation and shimmer like blades of grass. These glass panels penetrate the building and become internal walls to core areas, just as yellow LED flowers spread across the building fascia and wrap into the reception area ceiling.

Internal view out of the front of the building

picture : Richard Learoyd

Internal view of ground floor with new staircase

picture : Richard Learoyd

Rooftop Pavilion
A new timber clad rooftop pavilion provides a bright and open volume at the top of the building that can be used as either an executive boardroom, meeting rooms, or staff rest and recreation area. Decked terraces front and rear are accessed from giant sliding doors and provide views across the city skyline.

Refurbished upper front with glass fins

photo : Hut Architecture

Proposed perspective section

image : Hut Architecture

Sustainability
An exemplar of sustainability the building incorporates new double-glazed openable windows, access to outside spaces on 3 different levels, large front and rear roof terraces, designated cycle storage, and low energy lighting and mechanical systems throughout.

Internal view of lower ground floor with new staircase and exposed brick walls

picture : Richard Learoyd

Internal view of new staircase.

picture : Richard Learoyd

Context
The use of materials, colours and finishes run throughout the building from top to bottom and from outside to in, and emphasise the building’s connection with its setting. The illuminated and translucent facade elements appear animated to passers by, and bring a dynamic sculptural aspect to the street scene.

Internal view of reception

image : Hut Architecture