The Angel Building, 407 St John Street, London

From arriving outside the Angel Building and witnessing how the existing trees and the new planting have matured seamlessly into a cohesive and inviting public realm, then through into the building itself and seeing how the users have bedded themselves in; it is clear that the 2011 BCO Refurbishment winner has more than stood the 'Test of Time'. Derwent London's largest development to date is an established benchmark as to how to successfully re-use and reinvent a tired and out dated building. The astute retention of the original structure saved on energy and materials, yet is fully integrated into the final design. The extensions maximised usable floor areas in an efficient layout, without displaying greed.

Five years ago the BCO judges praised the developer for taking a risk with this unloved building in one of London's office less popular locations. That this area is now home to so many household name brands, blue chip corporations and trend setting companies is in no small part thanks to the success of the Angel Building and the precedent it set. And it is not just in place-making that this RIBA Stirling Prize nominee set the standard.

Whilst a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and an EPC 'B' is more common in today's prime buildings, five years ago when the building first won the BCO Award it was not so de' rigueur. The Angel Building achieved these ratings with the help of a considered approach to environmental control and a lot of good quality exposed structure. The natural ventilation derived from opening windows is clearly popular with staff as is the abundance of daylight, which the high ceilings allow to penetrate into the deep plan space. The liberal provision of occasional balconies, looking both into the atrium and externally, has paid off as they have become favourite places for informal staff meetings. The wonderfully proportioned café and communal space is also a big hit.

 In 2011 the BCO judge's likened the office space to a modern-day warehouse with exposed ceilings and a relaxed approach to different fit outs. Far from being outdated, this style is now highly desirable – because The Angel Building was ahead of its time it is a worthy winner of the 2015 BCO Test of Time Award.

PROJECT DETAILS

Client:

Derwent London

Interior Designer: 

Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

Owner:

Derwent London

M&E Engineer:

Norman Disney & Young

Occupier: 

Cancer Research UK / Expedia / NG Bailey / Sage Pay / Design Council

Structural Engineer:

Adams Kara Taylor

Project Manager:

Buro Four

Contractor:

BAM Construction

Quantity Surveyor:

AECOM

Developer:

Derwent London

Architect:

 Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

Agents:

Pilcher Hershman / CBRE / H2SO / DTZ (now Cushman & Wakefield)