Residential Property Located at Bruton Place, Numbers 21-25
News Article: DLA Architecture's Sustainable Office Transformation in Mayfair
DLA Architecture's latest project, situated behind the bustling Berkeley Square in Mayfair, London, is a significant milestone in a quartet of retrofits by Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM). The project, located at 21–25 Bruton Place, showcases thoughtful deep retrofit and the future of workspace design.
The architectural firm has transformed a disjointed trio of mid-century structures—a closed-down pizzeria, a tired back-office, and a modest garage—into a single, cohesive 15,000-square-foot office space. The project, a mass timber rooftop extension and deep retrofit of three mews buildings, now boasts its own entrance, dedicated reception, and a canteen at ground level.
The primary material employed to achieve this transformation is timber, with the rooftop extension formed from glulam frames and cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. These lightweight, low-carbon, and visually expressive elements have allowed for responsible extension upward, creating an upper level crowned with a CLT and mass timber extension, offering views from a new rooftop terrace.
Material choices emphasized sustainability and low embodied carbon. Existing brickwork was dismantled and reused wherever possible, and natural materials like clay tiles, locally fired brick, and European oak were selected over engineered alternatives. This approach not only reduces the project's carbon footprint but also enhances the interior environments with warmth and craftsmanship, as evidenced by the exposed timber joists and herringbone brick floors.
A floor-by-floor mechanical strategy supports a low-carbon operation, allowing each floor to run independently. This strategy, along with the addition of a folded mansard roof that allows natural light to enter the workspace, contributes to the project's energy efficiency and overall sustainability.
The project's design unites three previously disparate buildings into a contemporary workspace that retains its industrial charm through a language of brick-and-glass running through the facade. This blend of old and new, coupled with its commitment to sustainability, makes the project a shining example of "thoughtful deep retrofit" that balances historic character preservation with modern, sustainable workspace needs.
The project is part of a six-year mission to reimagine Bruton Place as a pedestrian-friendly hub, adding to the street's existing charm with Michelin-starred restaurants and discreet galleries lining the street. As such, DLA Architecture's project at 21–25 Bruton Place not only sets a new standard for sustainable office design but also contributes to the regenerative architecture narrative for the street.
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