{"id":729752,"date":"2024-02-14T11:55:10","date_gmt":"2024-02-14T11:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=729752"},"modified":"2024-02-20T12:22:24","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T12:22:24","slug":"case-study-berners-wells-by-emrys-architects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/specification\/case-study-berners-wells-by-emrys-architects","title":{"rendered":"Case study: Berners & Wells by Emrys Architects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Berners & Wells is a major mixed-use development north of Oxford Street in Fitzrovia, central London. The scheme sits across two urban blocks and has created over 7,000m\u00b2 of new office and retail space, together with significant improvements to the public realm.<\/p>\n

Emrys Architects\u2019 design responds to the historic character of the area, with contemporary flair added through its materiality and the articulation of its elevations. The lower portion is grounded by a series of seven two-storey arches, clad in Portland stone with a teal-coloured glazed brick detail, creating a grand entrance to the offices and retail units. The lower two floors feature flexible retail space to activate the street, while user-oriented work accommodation is provided above.<\/p>\n

At the uppermost levels, a lightweight glass and bronze envelope steps back from the main elevation to suit the adjoining townscape and forms roof terraces across the fa\u00e7ade to provide breakout spaces for informal meetings.<\/p>\n

The scheme involved a partial demolition alongside the retention of a fine Edwardian fa\u00e7ade on Wells Street. Careful attention was paid to ensuring that the massing and key elevational details paired well with the immediate context, especially the neighbouring Grade II*-listed Sanderson Hotel.
\nGlyn Emrys, director, Emrys Architects<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

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Project data<\/h3>\n

Start on site<\/strong> February 2021
\nCompletion<\/strong> October 2023
\nGross internal floor area<\/strong> 7,144m\u00b2
\nConstruction cost<\/strong> Undisclosed
\nArchitect<\/strong> Emrys Architects
\nClient<\/strong> Berners-Allsopp, Schroders
\nStructural engineer<\/strong> Elliott Wood Partnership
\nM&E consultant<\/strong> GDM Partnership, Ampsail
\nProject manager<\/strong> Blackburn & Co
\nPrincipal designer<\/strong> Emrys Architects
\nLandscape architect<\/strong> Farrer Huxley
\nMain contractor<\/strong> McLaren
\nCAD software used<\/strong> Revit
\nEmbodied\/ whole-life carbon<\/strong> 580 kgCO2\/m\u00b2<\/p>\n

\n

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Architect\u2019s choices<\/h3>\n

The fa\u00e7ade is comprised of traditional masonry products: stone, brick and faience (architectural terracotta). The stone features vivid shell inclusions that bring a texture to the arched plinth of the main fa\u00e7ade. A petrol-blue glazed brick was selected to complement other blue-hued buildings locally, in particular the listed Sanderson Hotel next door. The faience is fabricated to our brief and appears largely white, but on closer inspection a soft blue speckle is noticeable, complementing the blue of the brick. As a traditionally made product, faience is glazed and includes subtle undulations and curves that shimmer and bounce in sunlight.
\nMatthew Blackden, associate director, Emrys Architects<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/span>\"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Specification<\/h3>\n

Simultaneously developing two blocks allowed us to bridge across Wells Mews, creating two connected buildings. Taking cues from the proportion and detailing of other successful squares and closes, such as Heddon Street and St Christopher\u2019s Place, our design revitalises an underused back street with a new semi-enclosed space that stitches the building into the high street.<\/p>\n

We collaborated with painter, printmaker and Royal Academician Tess Jaray to complete the pattern on the curve at the rear mews, while the existing Edwardian fa\u00e7ade on Wells Street was retained, repaired and extended to gently blend in.<\/p>\n

The fourth floor is raised up in brickwork to match existing detailing. Rebuilt chimneys act as bookends, unifying the whole fa\u00e7ade and forming a visual break from neighbouring properties to the south. The overall approach to the elevational detailing works to soften any perceived impact, while a new set-back fifth floor constructed in brick features decorated gables that align to the twinned bays below.<\/p>\n

The artisanal methods used in the fabrication of this hand-set fa\u00e7ade create a sense of permanence and longevity. Berners & Wells feels like a building that was always there.
\nMatthew Blackden, associate director, Emrys Architects<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Selected products<\/h3>\n

Portland stone<\/strong>
\nAlbion Stone
\nGrove Whitbed
\nBerners Street fa\u00e7ade
\nalbionstone.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Glazed bricks<\/strong>
\nIbstock
\nIbstock BL72
\nBerners Street fa\u00e7ade
\nibstock.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

Faience<\/strong>
\nDarwen Terracotta
\nA19627 16, A20131 S\/C mottle medium
\nBerners Street fa\u00e7ade
\ndarwenterracotta.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Berners & Wells is a mixed-use development north of Oxford Street, the lower portion of which is defined by a series of two-storey arches with teal-coloured glazed brick detailing<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59337,"featured_media":729769,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"categories":[721],"tags":[1363,5698,4123,2448],"yoast_head":"\nCase study: Berners & Wells by Emrys Architects<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Berners & Wells is a mixed-use development north of Oxford Street, the lower portion of which is defined by a series of two-storey arches with teal-coloured glazed brick detailing. 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