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Wh
at c
an e
vo
lve
fro
m e
ssen
tial
reju
ven
atio
n a
nd
imag
inat
ive
inn
ov
atio
n?
Hollie Willis BA Hons Interior Design Year 4 2014-2015
Abstract
This assignment highlights the
issue that not enough new homes are
being created for the current and
predicted population growth in the United
Kingdom, resulting in the present housing
crisis. Decreasing availability of land, and
the negative impact on local population
and wildlife from constructing on unused
land, means that renovation, rejuvenation
and repurposing of existing buildings into
new homes is essential.
This essay points to the
government's relaxation of planning laws
and offers of financial incentives for new-
builds on unused land, and for the
regeneration of existing buildings into new
homes, with the economic and ecological
advantages of using existing
infrastructures. As buildings targeted for
regeneration are often existing offices, the
scheme, therefore, creates housing in
towns or cities where population and
demand for homes is highest, increasing
property values and potentially having a
positive impact on the local economy.
Media influence is noted in
promoting current trends in housing, one
being off-site prefabricated construction,
and its advantages over traditional build
methods.
It mentions how the media is now
encouraging the concept of 'improving not
moving', as well as regeneration and
renovation of existing buildings.
The research conducted focuses
attention on converting unused or part-
used office space into new homes, and
outlines four successful case studies, as not
all existing buildings are structurally or
economically viable for this type of
conversion.
The in-depth study for the
conversion of No.1 Osborne Terrace,
Edinburgh, EH12 5HG, from office to
residential use, takes some inspiration
from the interior and exterior design
elements of off-site, pre-fabricated
construction methods. The novel,
proposed, internal design incorporates the
use of movable walls, unconventionally,
within a residential setting and conducted
object-based research reveals more in-
depth detail of existing, available movable
walls, with successful case studies. The
residential units can be reconfigured easily
on a daily, weekly, or more long term
basis, by using movable walls. This
provides a flexible environment, able to
adapt around the habitant's requirements
through ease of use and manoeuvrability.
An example could be a quiet office created
to work at home during the day, but the
wall can be retracted to provide an open-
plan family space in the evening. A longer-
term example is a large bedroom divided
into two smaller bedrooms if the need
arises. The knock-on effect of this original
concept is to reduce the need to move
home every time the resident's
requirement for space changes.
Subject to economic and
structural viability studies, this assignment
discusses the aims of the project, which is
to produce an aesthetically-pleasing,
cladded façade to the existing building
whilst also renovating its interior, and to
use the infrastructure already in place. The
intention is to provide much-needed,
appealing, new homes within, that are
functional but which also have an
innovative, practical, design twist.
Table of Contents
1 - Cover 2 - Abstract 3 - Table of contents 4 -Essay: What can evolve from essential rejuvenation and imaginative innovation? 5 - Introduction 6 - Quantitative and Qualitative Research 8 - Current Housing Trend 10 - Case Studies 17 - Object Based Research 24 - Conclusion 25 - Bibliography 27 - List of Illustrations
INTRODUCTION
The creation of new homes is
absolutely essential in order to try and
keep pace with current and predicted
population growth in the United Kingdom
(U.K.). Alternatives to new homes on
supposedly unused land needs to be
seriously considered in light of the land
limits in the U.K. Imaginative, sympathetic
renovation and rejuvenation of existing
unused or part-used office space, often
within derelict buildings which blight the
landscape anyway, have the advantage of
using their existing infrastructures,
lending themselves successfully to be
transformed into new homes whilst also
promoting an alternative and positive way
forward.
Within this type of rejuvenation,
imaginative 21st-century innovative ideas
can be incorporated, such as movable
walls. Although beginning to become
popularly used in public spaces, they are
currently not often used in residential
settings. Movable walls will permit the
internal layout of the property to be
reconfigured in line with the resident's
requirements for use of their own space,
with the aim of meeting their needs
without having to move to a new home.
A similar concept was applied in the
design of the ultimate in movable walls,
shown on the front cover. Japanese
designer Yoshimasa Tsutsumi has created
a flexible wall which can be pushed back
anywhere on its surface to incorporate, or
embed, small or large items such as
furniture or objects. Instead of living
within walls, as hard separating surfaces
on which to hang or fix things, the flexible
walls are able to adapt around the user [1]
which is a similar concept that will be
applied to my final year project within No.
1 Osborne Terrace.
Rejuvenation and repurposing of
existing buildings by innovative planning
and design, incorporating movable walls in
particular, will be discussed further within
this assignment.
Figure 1: Yoshimasa Tsutsumi – Digit.
QUANTITATIVE
AND
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
The U.K. population is growing faster
than any other European Union (E.U.)
country. According to E. U. statistics, there
are "392,600 more people in Britain in
2012 compared to the previous year" [2].
An article written in 'The Telegraph'
newspaper in November 2013 clearly
stated this surprising information, with
great emphasis placed on the reasons
behind this large leap in population
increase. "More than a third of the
increase, 38%, or 148,700 people, were
accounted for by immigration, with the
rest accounted for by natural change" [2].
This research is illustrating that these are
the two principal reasons for the densely
populated country that we are currently
living in. It also highlights the staggering
statement that "Britain's population
growth rate, including immigration, is
almost three times the E.U. average" [2].
An interview with the chief executive
of 'Population Matters' (a charity working
for a global population size that can
provide a good standard of living, a healthy
environment and environmental
sustainability) Simon Ross, clearly
expresses his concern with regards to the
overwhelming, continuing rise in the U.K.
population. During the interview, he raises
a very interesting and serious point. He
says that “England is already Europe’s
most densely populated country... we also
have Europe’s highest population growth...
If we are serious about tackling the many
issues we face as a society, we need to
address one of the principal underlying
causes which is population growth" [2].
The United Kingdom is essentially an
island with land limits that cannot be
increased or exceeded. Whatever one's
views on solving the population crisis, it is
clear that it currently impacts hugely on
the U.K. housing sector. Everyone has to
live somewhere. It can be concluded that,
due to increasing immigration, improving
life expectancy, a higher birth rate,
amongst other factors, properties are
becoming considerably more in demand to
accommodate this continuing population
growth. Although more housing provision
will be needed for the rising population,
the U.K. land limits simply cannot be
extended.
On the 7th of November 2012, the
housing issue is clearly highlighted on the
Gov.uk web page, recognising the problem
and backing it up with astonishing
evidence. It states that “For decades, there
have not been enough homes to meet the
needs of our growing and ageing
population. From 2009 to 2010, only
115,000 new-builds were completed in
England – fewer than any year in peace
time since the 1920s, and that nearly a
quarter of a million homes in England have
stood empty for more than 6 months.” [3]
The principal action that the
government states that has been put in
place is mainly a significant amount of
funding for new-build homes on “empty”,
"unused" land around the country. This
may be a step in the right direction in
tackling the housing problem, but it could
be argued that funding for new-builds on
precious land which is decreasing in
availability, is not a long-term solution.
Increasing new development will also
potentially create more flood problems
due to the impervious surfaces - roads and
pavements, etc., unless the surface water
run-off and drainage is properly managed
and flood defences are improved, both of
which add hugely to the expense of any
new construction. The government has
stated that they want “builders, investors
and local councils to increase the supply of
both new-builds and repurposed empty
homes.” [3] In the official article, it states
that they have “introduced the New Homes
Bonus” which is “a grant to local councils
for increasing the number of homes and
their use” and have also provided
authority to councils so that they “can use
private finance initiatives… for housing
refurbishment and regeneration, where
other grants or funding wouldn’t have
been enough to make the changes needed.”
[3] They also say that they are “pursuing
other actions to bring empty homes back
into use.” [3] The government are clearly
trying to put policies in place to encourage
the renovation and re-usage of old derelict
properties in the U.K. The main focus
seems, however, to be still on new-builds,
indicating that the renovation of unused
housing is a less important factor in the
solution to the housing crisis we are
currently experiencing today. Out of the
thirteen main actions that the government
has stated are in place, only two are
referring to refurbishment and
regeneration. It can be argued that not
enough effort appears to have been put
into really looking for a better starting
point. The land that the new-builds are
envisaged for is supposedly “empty” and
“unused”, which is often not the case at all.
This land might not have been built on yet,
but most certainly will be used by the
surrounding inhabitants for leisure,
pleasure, social activities and general
enjoyment, as well as providing habitats
for local wildlife. The negative impact of
taking this land away and using it for
redevelopment and construction should
therefore be given very careful
consideration. There are other, potentially
better, possible solutions that can be
investigated before removing the
surroundings of the local community and
potentially endangering wildlife
habitations. An alternative should be to
look into what we already have, what may
not be presently used, or may not be being
used to its full potential. Perhaps more
government money should be invested
into the renovation of old, derelict housing
to create new, modern homes, appealing to
the masses, and so providing extra
accommodation for the increasing
population. Additionally, as a result of the
technology that we use today, and the new
way of life that people can therefore lead
by often working from home, working
from an office has become less important
and office space within older buildings is
often left unused. These empty or unused
office blocks should equally be studied
with a view to maximising their potential
by repurposing them as residential
housing. A secondary advantage for
anybody choosing to live in these new
homes within the old building is that they
will generally be within cities or towns,
with an infrastructure already in place to
support their lifestyle, which may well
include working from home.
During an interview with the Daily
Express in April 2013, economist and
report author Daniel Solomon said “By
2018, we expect the typical UK home will
cost £267,000 – over 20% more than this
year. Gradual wage and population
increases will be the fundamental drivers
of this medium-term trend.” [4] This
indicates that, with this consistent rise in
population, an equal increase in property
prices follows. The graph shown in Figure
2, produced by Nationwide [5], indicates
the considerable rise in property prices
over the previous years. This may itself
cause problems for first time buyers and
young families, whose finances aren’t
sufficient, and aren’t keeping pace with the
cost of renting or buying increasingly
expensive properties, particularly if they
need to upsize.
Figure 2: Graph of Average U.K. House Prices.
From research conducted by Savills in
2013, the top reason for the purchase of a
property in the U.K. today is because the
buyer wants to upsize (38% of the reasons
for purchasing a property in that year [6]).
The second reason is relocation (20% [6])
and the third reason is downsizing (15%
[6]).
Figure 3: Top 3 Reasons for the Purchase
of a Property in the U.K.
It could be concluded that the majority
of movement in the property market is
largely due to property owners wanting
more or less space, often in line with their
changing family size, maybe before and
after having children. In a property survey
conducted during 2012, by Savills, it was
deduced that “62% of properties bought
throughout that year were between the
price bracket of £500,000 and 1 million
pounds” [6]. These figures could be
interpreted as that the majority of houses
bought in 2012 were family sized
properties, with maybe 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms,
and that 'family' houses were the most
sought after type of property.
CURRENT
HOUSING
TREND
The effect of the Media cannot be
underestimated in influencing popular
thoughts and ideas in housing. This is
clearly demonstrated by the huge number
of interior design, architectural and
building programmes, which are
promoting the very popular, current idea
of off-site prefabricated construction.
The most popular concept in the
U.K. housing market today is very clearly
emphasised by the demand for new-builds
and modern-style housing. For individuals,
couples or families wishing to buy a larger
house, recent television shows have
promoted “off-site” construction methods
that have sometimes proven to be a
cheaper method of obtaining a dream
home. Prefabricated homes, often referred
to as “prefab homes” or simply “prefabs”,
“off-sites constructions” or even “modular
buildings”, is a method of construction that
has “been around for over 60 years,
beginning as a solution to the need for
post-war housing and classrooms for the
`Baby Boomers’” [7]. Its popularity has
increased vastly in the last decade. They
“have ecological advantages in comparison
to standard construction systems, since
they represent a more effective use of
resources and a reduction of construction
time and, therefore, cost. Houses are built
in one location and then carried by road
and reassembled on-site. Thus, building
materials can be used more economically
and efficiently, and very little refuse is
produced during construction or on-site.
Due to the improved technology and
construction typologies, the international
prefabrication industry can deliver up-to-
date houses which are aesthetically
pleasing. Additionally, they have a range of
prices from very cheap constructions to
more exclusive ones, depending on the
main material used (wood, steel,
galvanised aluminium and concrete)” [8].
These prefabricated houses also consist of
very interesting elements within their
construction, such as completely self-
contained bathroom pods. These units can
also be “constructed offsite and delivered
to the build to be craned into position and
connected to the mains services, reducing
the need for skilled workers and cutting
costs and timescales.” [7] Prefabricated
homes are becoming a very popular
method of construction in the U.K. now
due to low costs, reduced construction
time, energy efficiency and also the eco-
friendliness of the building as a whole. The
awareness and attractiveness of this type
of housing is promoted regularly in
televised modern, architectural and
interior design programs, highlighting the
beauty, as well as the other attributes of
these buildings. 'Terrapin', a company
which has 60 years’ worth of experience in
off-site construction solutions, states that
the continuous growth in popularity of this
construction method is “in no small part
due to the inspiring kit houses featured on
Channel 4’s Grand Designs.” [9] One of
Grand Designs most beautiful, stunning
and high-tech, off-site construction
projects, televised on Channel 4 [10], was
the Walton Huf Haus house for a German
couple, visible in Figure 4.
The artist owners went on to paint
the open-plan design in a style which
emulates Mondrian’s own pieces of art.
The breath-taking “heavy-glazed house
was built in just 6 days with all internal
fittings already in place.” [9] This
incredible feat of architectural excellence
proves that when imagination meets
engineering, the impossible becomes
possible. Sadly, however stunning this
architecture is, and however ingenious the
engineering may be, this type of
construction does not, at first glance,
appear to be a long-term solution to the
housing crisis that we are facing today. It
appears to be merely an inspirational
alternative to new-builds, but still on land
that is decreasing in availability.
This concept, however, could lend
itself to being part of a solution for the
future. Once built and put in place, these
then 'existing' properties become
extremely flexible as “the exterior design
and interior layout of these buildings are
almost limitless with the use of hybrid
technologies” [7]. Extensions and changes
to the exterior and interior design and
layout, can easily be made and integrated
into the existing structure. Consequently,
as these buildings are very adaptable, can
be altered quite easily or extended,
internal rooms made bigger or smaller, or
simply redesigned, this feature may
encourage people to stay longer in this
home before looking to move house, even
if their family size changes.
Figure 4: Grand Design Visit of Walton Huf Haus house.
Another original use for these
prefab style units is to build and equip
them off-site, and then insert them directly
into the shell of a large, existing, unused or
derelict building prior to linking the units
to services, and maybe even units to each
other to create double-size units. This
would make very good use of presently
partly-used, unused or derelict buildings,
and have the huge economical and eco-
friendly advantage of using the existing,
surrounding infrastructure such as
services, roads and schools. It would
provide 'new' housing within existing
buildings, without the need to use up more
valuable land space.
Alternatively, just certain
elements from this off-site pre-fabricated
construction concept could be taken and
used within the renovation of existing
derelict or unused buildings, such as the
fully integral bathroom pods. These could
be designed and constructed off-site, then
brought in and inserted into the
renovation. A further element which could
be used in the renovation and repurposing
of an old building is the off-site production
of exterior panelling or cladding. Once
brought on-site it can be erected on the
exterior, producing an almost instant
change in appearance and creating an
aesthetically pleasing façade, which
blends, or contrasts, with the surrounding
environment in a sympathetic manner.
An important issue in design thinking
to reduce the housing crisis is the way the
media can promote the message that
renovation and re-use of existing buildings
should be the primary consideration,
taking priority over new-build
construction and land-use. T.V.
programmes are beginning to encourage
revolutionary new ideas and innovation
for these types of renovations, such as
“Double your house for half the money”
starring Sarah Beeny [11]. Throughout the
series, she helps people achieve their
dream home and saves them the cost of
moving, by expanding their existing
property outwards, upwards or by
reconfiguring the internal layout. At
present there are, however, less of these
shows than of those promoting new-
builds. More media encouragement should
be given to this concept.
CASE STUDIES
“In January (2013), the
government announced plans to relax
permitted development rights to allow the
conversion of Class B (offices) into C3
(residential) without the need for planning
permission.” [12] This allows redundant,
disused offices not suitable for present day
office users to be repurposed and brought
back into use as new homes in urban areas
where the shortage of homes is greatest.
The following case studies are excellent
examples of this type of conversion.
St George’s House,
Croydon
The 24-storey tower known as St
Georges House was formerly the Nestle UK
& Ireland Headquarters building, in the
centre of Croydon, south London. “The
company left St George's House in
September 2012 and moved to West
Sussex” [13], since then the building has
remained empty. “Croydon Council
granted planning permission to financial
services company Legal & General to
create 288 new homes” [13]. EPR
Architects were employed by Legal &
General for the redevelopment, who
elegantly re-modelled the existing building
to create new high-quality contemporary
residencies. The Architects decided to
retain the existing frame and added an
extra four storeys, and a further three
storeys to the adjacent building and
balconies and cladding in warm tones. The
materials used have been inspired by the
architecture and heritage of Croydon.
“From the outset, we established that re-
using the building frame was a sustainable
approach, reducing the embodied energy
that would be required for a complete new
build. Green roofs are proposed to create a
bio diverse environment, high quality
landscaping and public realm contributing
to the wellbeing of the residents and
general public.” [14]
Figure 5: Before Photograph of St George’s
House, Croydon
Figure 6: EPR Architects Proposal for St
George’s House, Croydon
Oxford House, City of
London
The office to residential conversion of
Oxford House in London for Land
Securities was designed by Piercy &
Company’s. Their proposal remodels the
1960’s commercial building into 89
apartments and double height retail
spaces. The building will retain the
majority of its existing internal structure;
however the appearance and function of
the building will be completely
transformed. A modern, articulate façade
will replace the buildings old and
monotonous exterior. “Piercy & Company’s
proposal for Land Securities seeks to
significantly improve and extend the retail
space at street and basement levels, and to
refurbish the low quality office floors
above to create high quality residential
space.” [16]
Figure 7: Before and After Photograph and
Proposal for Oxford House, London.
Roman House, City of
London
Roman House is one of the City of
London’s first post war reconstruction
offices. The proposed luxurious,
residential development of Roman House
is in the City of London, next to the
Barbican and the Listed Monument Roman
London Wall. “The disused eight storey
office building has been carefully stripped,
redeveloped and extended to
accommodate 90 studio, one, two and
three bedroom residential apartments.”
[17] The proposal will keep the expressed
frame of the original building but infill the
frame with a pre-fabricated bay window
and balcony cassette. A&Q Partnership
stated that “the development has been a
considerable success with both the quality
of finish and detailing reflected in the
appetite for purchase.” [17]
Figure 8: Before and After Photograph
and Proposal for Roman House, London.
Witham Wharf,
Lincoln
The brief for Witham Wharf in Lincoln
was to “develop the detailed design for the
conversion of a 1970s pre-cast concrete
office building into 114 luxury apartments
overlooking a marina, Brayford Pool, with
space for restaurants at ground floor.” [18]
Existing concrete cladding panels were
removed and the building is now entirely
re-clad in high quality, low maintenance
materials. BDP. Architects stated that
throughout the design and building
process, “the emphasis has been on
quality. Detailed modelling of balconies
and roof canopies have been composed to
lighten the appearance of what was a
dreary, monolithic structure, while shifting
the unrelieved symmetry of the existing
facades.” [18] Completed in 2007, at a
construction cost of £14 million, it later
received the Daily Mail UK Property Award
in Architecture. The renewed development
is now playing a major role in the
regeneration of the area around the
Brayford Pool.
Figure 9: Before and After Photograph
of Witham Wharf, Lincoln.
Potential worries could be raised
by local people affected by the concept of
office to residential conversions. It could
be thought that the new homes may be of a
poor standard, and may change the
character of the area from bustling
employment and retail activities to a less
active residential use. However, if these
offices are already derelict and not being
utilised to their full potential, these
concerns would not apply as these
buildings are not anyway having a positive
impact, aesthetically or economically, on
the community in their current condition.
Additionally, residential prices per square
metre are usually higher than office prices,
which would help the local economy. For
example, in London, “according to the
Financial Times, average residential values
in the capital are £3,000 per sq. ft
compared with £2,375 for office space.”
[12] Additionally, very careful
consideration must be given to the cost of
converting an existing office block as
sometimes it may not be economically
viable to do so. There are many factors
that may influence this decision such as
the era of construction. For example, some
post-war buildings do not have sufficient
daylight, ventilation, drainage, service runs
and escape strategies and can be very
costly to convert to comply with
residential needs. Also the cladding of an
existing building for aesthetic reasons, can
prove to be of high expense to also meet
modern day thermal, energy performance,
acoustic transmission, fire protection and
privacy requirements. The more
appropriate offices for conversions are
those of which the majority of the existing
building can be retained, such as the
structural frame and foundations, avoiding
the need for large alterations or
demolition. The most obvious candidates
for office to residential conversions are
period properties as they can be reverted
back to their original residential purpose
with more ease than other types of
buildings. However, there may be Listed
Building status to take into consideration
with regards to any envisaged alterations,
such as for their protected façades, in
which case, internal wall insulation might
be an alternative to insulating externally.
“Sound transmission is a concern
when upgrading offices to meet residential
needs, particularly in 1960s blocks where
numerous service cavities and ducts
transmit airborne and impact sound. Solid
and concrete superstructures also tend to
allow impact sounds to bridge from one dwelling to another.” [12] Post 1940
buildings were often lighter due to
improvements in design knowledge, but
sadly creates today’s difficulty and high
costs in complying with the minimum
airborne sound insulation requirement
between dwellings
A more overriding consideration
is reflected in Ben de Waals view, Head of
Residential at Davis Langdon, who says
where “significant empty and unlettable
office space is creating blight … and where
buildings are close to local amenities and
transport links, I can’t see an argument for
not converting.” [12] Roger Zogolovitch,
architect and developer who also runs the
company Solidspace is “optimistic that the
move could attract investment, deliver
innovation … and stimulate local
economies” [12]. Therefore, choosing the
right building, in the right location, with
the right design and solid existing
infrastructure, which is financially viable
and has public approval, an office to
residential conversion can have a positive
impact on the local community, as well as
being part of the solution to tackling the
U.K. housing crisis.
An example of a building which
could easily lend itself to an office to
residential conversion could be the
existing central Edinburgh office block,
No. 1 Osborne Terrace, EH12 5HG,
visible in Figure 10.
At present, it is currently being
used as let office space but it is not fully
rented out or utilised to its maximum
potential, and so a large majority of its
floor area is currently unused. As a 1970s
office block, it has a very spacious, open-
plan layout with very few obstructions
other than weight-bearing, supporting
columns, spaced at regular intervals. It has
large windows looking out onto beautiful
surroundings, providing a bright
environment with optimum natural light
throughout the building. As it is presently
offices, all the appropriate legal
requirements must be in place for this type
of activity. However, there will be similar,
but increased requirements for residential
purposes for energy performance, thermal
insulation, acoustic transmission, fire
protection, drainage, privacy and all other
compulsory elements. The existing
infrastructure is a huge advantage both
economically and ecologically for the
conversion. There is more than adequate
car parking for potential residents and a
lot of public transport access to the
building with facilities already in place to
enable the residents to get around the city
with ease. Princes Street is a very short
distance away. The Haymarket train
station is in close proximity to the
building, as well as a very nearby tram
stop. The local buses stop right outside the
entrance. The building is also located on
the principal routes to the motorway and
airport. Office rental prices at this location
are currently being advertised at “£14.00
per Square Foot” [19] whereas new build
values in this postcode are “£250.00 to
£275.00” [20], as visible in Figure 11.
It therefore could be presumed
that depending on the final specification of
the residencies created, that this
conversion will definitely add value to the
property itself, and ultimately raise
property values in the surrounding area.
Figure 10: Photograph of Exterior of No. 1 Osborne Terrace,
Edinburgh.
Figure 11: Edinburgh City Residential Development Sales Spring
2014.
Having identified and established
the potential of No. 1 Osborne Terrace for
an office to residential conversion, it is
hoped it would stimulate interest not only
within the City of Edinburgh but also in
Scotland and within the U.K. generally. Due
to the relaxation of the planning laws
announced by the government in January
2013 [12], there is now, more than ever, a
great opportunity for architects to really
demonstrate their full potential for
inspirational creativity and originality in
the renovation of these old, derelict and
unused buildings, as well going some way
towards helping the current housing crisis
in the U.K. With careful thought, design
and planning, No. 1 Osborne Terrace could
be used as a landmark building for
alternative, innovative ideas which have
the objective of trying to encourage
residents not to move house, but to stay
where they are for longer. This could be
achieved by being able to reconfigure,
enlarge or reduce their space, or increase
or decrease the number of rooms in line
with their changing personal or family
requirements.
OBJECT BASED
RESEARCH
With this concept in mind, Style is an
award winning company specialising in
the supply, installation, service and repair
of all types of sliding partitions, sliding
folding partitions, glass partitions and
movable walls. They provide their most
state-of-the-art, modern and exclusive U.K.
services to architects, specifiers,
contractors and end-user clients within a
range of different types of buildings
varying in sizes and functions.
As sole UK distributors for Dorma,
Style works in close relationship with their
factories in Belgium and Germany, which
produce “1000 metres of movable wall
panels per week, up to 150,000 globally
per annum, with fully automated
processes and completely quality
controlled procedures.” [21] They invested
significantly to ensure that products
produced in their factories, are made to
the highest quality, minimising any
defects. Their vast capabilities mean that
they can produce very large volumes of
units and also respond quickly if, for
example, a panel is damaged on arrival.
Early delivery requests are possible and
the factories are “extremely co-operative
when production timings are squeezed. …
We maintain very strong delivery
schedules with panels arriving in perfect
condition, which results in a great deal of
project efficiency for our on-site teams and
our customers.” [21]
Style operates throughout the UK from
five strategically placed offices, where each
office is run as an independent, director
owned business. The office for the South is
in Ferndown, the South East office is in
North Weald Bassett, The Midlands office
is in Coalville, The Northern office is in
Bolton and the office for Scotland is in
Tillicoultry [22]. “Our philosophy has
always been to offer quality; consequently,
we will not be the cheapest, but please be
assured that we will always endeavour to
provide you with both the service and
finished installation you expect.” [23]
Style, as a company, are the market leaders
in movable wall partitions and this has
been proven to their clients by the many
awards they have won through the quality
of the products they provide and the in-
depth knowledge and experience of their
employees. They have won the Silver and
Gold awards in the ‘moveable partitions’
sector for eight of the past nine years, with
a run of four consecutive Golds from 2008-
2011. They are also full members of the
AIS (Association of Interior Specialists).
They promote their knowledge and
extended experience of installations in
corporate board rooms, hotels and schools,
through case studies of each project
available on their website and in their
offices, and can generally produce a design
that meets both the specification and the
budget. Style are providers of RIBA-
approved CPD seminars, on the topics of
Multi-functional space and fully
automated, vertically rising acoustic
partition systems, which also indicates to
the client that they are respected for their
knowledge and reputation within the
movable wall sector. All of their products
are fully supported by appropriate
acoustic certification offering sound
reductions up to Rw 60 dB and a 30
minute fire rating. They also have obtained
the first ever UK EPD (Environmental
Product Declaration) certification for
moveable walls. “We’re accredited to UKAS
standards for ISO 9001:2008 ‘Quality’, ISO
14001:2004 ‘Environmental’ and BS
OHSAS:18001 ‘Occupational Health &
Safety’ as part of a group-integrated
management system. In addition we are
also continuing to maintain our CHAS (The
Contractor’s Health & Safety Assessment
Scheme) accreditation.” [23]
There are five types of movable walls
that they provide, each with different
methods used to divide spaces. “Movable
walls are sliding panels that run along a
top track and are neatly stacked to the
side. Folding walls are sliding partitions
that are continuously hinged to fold away
when not in use. Skyfold walls are
vertically rising, acoustic walls that retract
into the ceiling when not in use. Glass
sliding partitions and glass movable walls
offer light and visibility. Multiroll
partitions are a flexible, vertically rising
wall which quickly transforms vast
spaces.”[24] Each option varies in Rw dB
rating, thickness, height, length, weight,
panel width and finishes and there for can
be fabricated and installed to the clients’
exact needs.
There are several different types of
panelling, as highlighted in the case
studies. Figure 12 shows the detailed
computer aided drawing, provided by
Style, of the differing panel types that their
company provides.
Style provides the client with a wide
range of technology and various types of
panels. The choice of arrangement of the
parking position plays a large part in the
layout and flexibility of the design. Figure
13 shows another detailed computer aided
drawing, provided by Style, of the various
parking positions that can be chosen for
the selected type of movable wall design.
The environment and surrounding existing
structure can influence the choice of the
best type of panelling, and also the best
type parking position potentially for that
specific area.
For the Dorma Moveo movable
walls, the panels generally compromise of
a “closed composite construction
consisting of MDF outer boards bonded to
an aluminium frame and containing an
acoustic core, panel thickness 100mm.
Track extruded aluminium, and track
junctions incorporating drop forged roller
bearings. Carriers are fully adjustable and
secured to panels by horizontal ball
bearings engaging with shock absorbing
roller pins.” [25] The client can specify the
method of operation, the characteristics,
the opening size, the parking position
arrangement as detailed previously, the
number of panels, the type of closure and
pass doors, the acoustic insulation, the
panel edges, the fixing and void structure,
a functional finish and the choice between
a very large array of panel and wall post
finishes.
Figure 14 shows an example of
one of Styles’ lecture theatre projects
offering a dramatic separation in space as
well as an acoustic divide, where panels
can be manoeuvred to stack compactly
within a room at either the end of the track
or remotely within a storage recess [26].
Figure 14: Style - Example of Lecture
Theatre Project.
Another one of Styles’ projects
was the insertion of Stylefold Sliding
Folding Partition to divide two meeting
rooms at Glostrup Borough Council [27].
An additional example of a project
Style completed was for Pittsburgh based
law firm Reed Smith LLP at their new
headquarters in Broadgate Tower, London.
They introduced vertically rising Skyfold
Classic folding walls. Ease of use is the
most critical factor. In this project, the
double Skyfold walls can either separate
the area into individual meeting areas or
open the entire area up for larger
functions. [28]
Large conference rooms and
spaces can lend themselves easily to later
additions of movable walls due to their
very simplistic and functional layout.
There is, however, very little evidence of
this concept being applied to residential
projects, mainly due to the fact that the
inclusion of movable walls needs to be
thought out and planned in the design
stage of a residence rather than as an add-
on at a later date.
Figure 15: Style – Glostrup Borough Council
Project.
Figure 16: Style – Broadgate Tower
Project in London.
Another example of movable walls
used within a residential environment is
that of the Appartamento Roma completed
in 2010 by the Italian Firm Anaunia [30].
Figure 17: Style – High-End Residence
Project in London.
Figure 18: Anaunia - Appartamento Roma Project.
An example of one of Styles’
projects, which had been produced for a
high-end residence in London, was where
the owner wanted to create a flexible space
with an out-of-the-ordinary twist of which
the main priority was emphasized on the
interior design. The client wanted to
introduce a movable partitioning wall with
a detailed map of London on one side and
the World on the other. “Although unusual
for Style to work in a residential property it
is a growing trend allowing flexible space
within the home.” [29].
CONCLUSION
Statistics show that there are not
enough homes for the current population
and not enough housing being planned for
a future rising population. The U.K. land
limits simply cannot be increased, and so
my project looks into an alternative to
new-builds by which existing buildings can
be better utilised to help the current
housing crisis in the U.K. today. Before
anything new is built, the primary focus
should be to maximise the potential of
existing buildings and the surrounding
infrastructure that is already in place.
Having investigated the current trend of
prefabricated off-site construction, it was
felt that some elements of this type of
construction could be incorporated into
larger scale projects, such as office block
conversion to residential, for both
ecological as well as economic reasons.
These could promote time-saving,
practical design of building interiors, as
well as solutions to external renovations of
old and tired façades. Relaxed regulations
put in place by the government regarding
office to residential conversions, supports
the argument for repurposing empty and
unlettable office space into much needed
homes, as highlighted in the four
successful case studies. My specific project
tries to incorporate the concept of
providing housing through a successful
office to residential conversion, with an
innovative twist. The project aims to
convert the partly let office block at No. 1
Osborne Terrace in central Edinburgh into
much needed new homes. The objective is
also to encourage occupiers to envisage
long term residency. This could be
achieved by being able to easily
reconfigure, enlarge or reduce their space,
or increase or decrease the number of
rooms, in line with their changing personal
or family requirements, by the careful
incorporation at design stage, of movable
partition walls. Having researched popular
and successful types of movable partition
walls, it appears that although used
commercially in public buildings, there is
very little evidence of this concept being
applied to residential projects. My vision
for No. 1 Osborne Terrace is, firstly, to
provide much needed homes by
maximising the potential of an existing
office building, using the infrastructure
already in place. Secondly, I want to
provide an innovative, flexible space for
residents by the incorporation of easily
movable walls, so reducing the need to
move home with every change of personal
circumstance, and, perhaps, as a side-effect
promote the growth of a small community.
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Figure 1: Kanta Ushio, (2012),
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atsutsumi/. Last accessed 14th Dec 2014.
Figure 2: Nationwide, (2014),
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http://www.channel4.com/programmes/
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Last accessed 12th Dec 2014.
Figure 5: BBC News London,
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2014.
Figure 6: EPR Architects, (2013),
Re-inventing an urban landmark
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http://www.epr.co.uk/projects/architects
-residential/st-georges-house/. Last
accessed 14th Dec 2014.
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6&album=1&gallery=44. Last accessed
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Figure 8: A&Q Partnership, (2011),
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house/. Last accessed 14th Dec 2014.
Figure 9: BDP, (2006), Witham
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Figure 10: Hollie Willis, (2014), No.1
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the 27th Oct 2014.
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at:
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p?start=5&show=58. Last accessed 14th
Dec 2014.