Respecting the existing building’s heritage, the architectural approach maintains the unique character of the cattle lair while creating a purposeful distinction between old and new.

The transformation of Kings Cross is having a ripple effect on bordering communities with the Tileyard district to the north benefitting from the regeneration. The existing two-storey brick building is retained and extended, forming a brick plinth, punctuated by a grid of paired narrow windows.  Above this hovers a two-storey weathered steel extension that aligns with and continues the rhythm established in the brick base, with the window pairs joined to form large punched openings.  A lightweight loft-storey tops the composition, which is set back from the main façade to ensure this is a recessive element.  A unique meeting space on this level opens up to a roof garden in the south-west corner, enjoying views across the city.

The branding and communication design for the building is being developed in collaboration with our sister company Thomas Matthews, including the bespoke signage to the building’s façade that will establish a gateway to the wider Tileyard community.

The scheme successfully achieved planning permission in a highly constrained context.