Date: 24 May 09
Author: Caroline Ednie, Web Editor
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Emerging pheonix-like from the current economic gloom is a new office building in Glasgow's West End, designed and supervised by cameronwebsterarchitects for Otago Developments.
The new office building involved the rebuilding of an old derelict printworks at the back of an urban block in Glasgow, and subtly develops the section to introduce natural light and intriguing views into a subterranean space. It refurbishes the existing tenement’s communal court and begins the transformation of a run down back lane, while creating unexpectedly large and bright office spaces.
Hidden away in the heart of Glasgow’s West End, the Printworks is at the end of an unsurfaced lane behind an urban block. The original little brick building was a glue factory attached to a neighbouring abattoir, which ceased to function a long time ago. The building was subsequently used as a printworks until around the turn of the century, when it became derelict, while the lane turned into a dumping ground for rubbish.
The clients required an office of about 800 square feet for themselves, with the possibility of additional space that they could let. They approached cameronwebsterarchitects, who were interested in the uses and opportunities for Glasgow’s back lanes, and had spotted the potential of the printworks building while carrying out the renovation of a nearby house. While the old building appeared to be very small, it concealed a large basement below the tenement back court.
The building is in a conservation area, although the back lane was unloved and a focus for fly-tippers. The planners were concerned that any new development should not be significantly higher than the existing structure, and specified that the materials should be traditional slate and render.
The existing brick structure was on the point of collapse and had to be demolished, but the potential of the building’s section was developed with a steel frame to increase the amount of light and useable space, while the cast iron columns and concrete structure supporting the back court were retained and refurbished. A glazed and planted courtyard was introduced to bring in natural light and create a spacious office at the lower level. The building was raised a little, so that the entrance from the lane could provide access to a further office level above, with frameless gazed rooflights and windows looking onto the lane and the back court. The resulting section provides lots of light and interesting views between the different levels, and a total of 2,500 square feet gross space created for a total cost of £200,000.
The new building is very highly insulated, and natural light is maximised to reduce the energy load. Externally it is finished with a resin render and black painted timber, while internally the stair and floor are finished in oak, and the full length of the rear basement wall is shelved. A partly glazed floor at entrance level allows daylight to the kitchen below.
The tenement courtyard was re-paved, and it gives access to the new upper floor through the existing tenement in Otago Street. The lane is no longer an unsightly rubbish dump, and future developments are proposed there to further develop its potential. The building was completed and occupied in nine months, (with some finishes and fittings being introduced and finalised over a further six months).
The clients are delighted with the result, and have found that the design perfectly suits their requirements and the building is universally admired. The architects have also moved their offices into it, renting part of the open plan space in the basement for themselves.
Shortlisted for The Scottish Design Awards 2009: Low Cost Project category
Project: The Printworks, Otago Street
Architect: Cameron Webster Architects
Client: Otago Developments - Cameron Webster Architects with Natasha Marshall fabrics and wallcoverings
Location: Glasgow
Cost: £200,000
Link: www.cameronwebster.com
Plans and elevations: Courtesy of cameronwebsterarchitects
Images: Martin Phillimore Photography
Site prior to development
Site Prior to development
Click on images below to enlarge.
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