FX Awards 2018 Winners

Mixed-Use Development

Winner: The Department Store by Squire and Partners

Mixed-Use Development  Winner: The Department Store by Squire and PartnersImage Credit: James Jones

Sponsored by Modulyss

This project took an unoccupied and dilapidated former department store from 1906, and reimagined the building to create a series of inspiring work and social spaces for a multidisciplinary architecture and design practice. The brief included a series of units for new and existing local businesses, including a community Post Office, coffee roastery, vinyl record store, delicatessen and bar/restaurant.

The building structure was stripped of years of incremental additions and amendments to reveal original features. Existing interior fabric was assessed to ensure that elements such as 111-year-old Burmese teak parquet flooring, a grand tiled staircase and a historic patina of colours were preserved, as well as artworks left in the Nineties by squatters. Voids cut through the building create dramatic volumes, and provide connections between levels.

At ground floor a striking reception area and model shop animate the street, while a large event space is located on the lower ground floor along with generous cycle storage, changing-rooms and showers. Open-plan workspaces are located on first to third floors offering unique spaces for the various design disciplines within the practice.

A new rooftop bar/restaurant comprises a series of oak-framed pavilions with copper roofs, and a bespoke glazed dome marks the end of a large south-facing terrace.

The practice purchased The Department Store in February 2015 and works were completed in June 2017, providing 6,147sq m of workspace, event facilities and retail units. Since occupation the practice has hosted a variety of design and community events collaborating with local creative talent, including exhibitions, talks, tours, workshops and markets.

Staff have commented how the social spaces have changed the way they interact with their colleagues, while locals have embraced the revitalisation of a local landmark.

The judges said...
‘Flexibly designed for a variety of end-users’

Finalists & Judges’ Comments

Brick Kiln Folk Inn & Museum by H Design
‘Lots of multifunctional space in an exciting environment’

Elsley House by HKS Architects
‘A considered renewal of a Thirties’ building’

Ocean One by Kris Lin International Design
‘Great conversion of public space’

Wuxi Zhongzhou Chonganfu sales center by MYP Design (HK)
‘Clever modern design advocating a quality lifestyle’

The building 12 by Shenzhen Cimax Design Company
‘Fabulous conversion; incorporates indoor and outdoor space’

CTS Chengdu Ocean Spring Showing Centre by Shenzhen DaE Interior Design
‘Innovative design with interesting uses making a impact’

Bishopsgate Marketing Suite & Show Homes by WISH
‘Interiors thoughtfully crafted to retain heritage architecture’

Gasholders King’s Cross by WilkinsonEyre with Jonathan Tuckey Design
‘Existing building really maximised the contemporary layout’

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