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Berners & Wells is a large mixed-use development north of Oxford Street in Fitzrovia, central London. Spanning two city blocks, the scheme creates over 7,000sq m of new office and retail space and significant improvements to the public realm.
Emrys Architects’ design responds to the historic character of the area, adding a contemporary feel through its materiality and expression of the façade. The lower part is grounded by a series of seven two-storey arches clad in Portland stone and teal glazed brick details, forming the 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.
At the highest level, a lightweight glass and bronze envelope steps back from the main facade to accommodate the adjoining city views and forms a roof terrace on the facade to provide breakout space for informal meetings.
The plans involve partial demolition while retaining the fine Edwardian facade of Wells Street. Special attention was paid to ensuring that the massing and key façade details fit perfectly with its surroundings, particularly the adjacent Grade II* listed Sanderson Hotel.
Glyn Emrys, Director, Emrys Architects
Project data
Live start February 2021
Finish October 2023
Total internal floor area 76,900 square meters
construction cost Undisclosed
architect ames architects
client Berners-Alsop, Schroeder
structural engineer Elliot Wood Partners
Mechanical and electrical consultant GDM Partner, Ampsel
project Manager blackburn co.
Chief designer ames architects
main contractor mclaren
CAD software used Revitt
Embodied carbon/lifetime carbon 580 kg CO2/m2
Architect’s choice
The façade is composed of traditional masonry products: stone, bricks and faience (architectural clay). The stone has vivid shell inclusions that bring texture to the arched base of the main facade. Dark blue glazed bricks were chosen to complement other blue-toned buildings in the local area, particularly the listed Sanderson Hotel next door. The faience was made to our specifications and is mostly white, but on closer inspection you can see soft blue flecks that complement the blue of the bricks. A traditionally manufactured product, faience is glazed with subtle undulations and curves that sparkle and bounce in the sunlight.
Matthew Blackden, Associate Director, Emrys Architects
Specification
Developing two blocks simultaneously enabled us to create two connected buildings across Wells Mews. Our design draws on the proportions and details of other successful squares and blocks such as Heddon Street and St Christopher’s Square, revitalizing underutilized back streets through a new semi-enclosed space that stitches the building to the high street. Vitality.
We worked with painter, printmaker and Royal Academician Tess Jaray to complete the pattern on the curve of the rear stables, whilst retaining, restoring and extending the existing Edwardian facade of Wells Street to blend gently into it.
The fourth floor features brickwork to complement the existing details. The reconstructed chimney acts as a bookend, unifying the entire facade and creating a visual break from the neighboring buildings to the south. A holistic approach to the façade detailing aims to soften any perceived impact, while the new setback fifth floor, built in brick, features decorative gables that align with the twin bays below.
This handcrafted façade uses artisanal methods to create a sense of timelessness and longevity. Berners & Wells feels like a building that has always been there.
Matthew Blackden, Associate Director, Emrys Architects
Featured Products
Portland stone
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glazed tiles
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pottery
Dawen Terracotta Warriors and Horses
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