Project summary

We have been chosen to refurbish Laser House, a former printing press and gin distillery in London’s Clerkenwell that is being redeveloped by General Projects to provide almost 88,000 sq ft of office space. Located near the Barbican, Laser House will be refurbished to provide office floor space across the ground and four upper levels with provision of four SME starter units at lower ground floor. The building will be largely retained, with only partial demolition of the structure and construction of extensions to the existing building fronting Goswell Road and Pear Tree Street with plant enclosures above.

The detail

The refurbishment of the printworks primarily creates office space: behind the retained façade, upward extensions of one floor to each of the existing blocks will create workspace for more than 850 people, including 5,000sqft dedicated to small businesses. A new sunken courtyard brings natural light down to a flexible commercial unit of 6,350sqft on the ground and lower-ground floors.

Works are to include external alterations to the facades, windows, doors, improvements and upgrades to the office accommodation internally, provision of cycle storage, shower and changing facilities, waste and recycling facilities in addition to updated access arrangements and ancillary works.

The area has undergone incremental development over several generations, resulting in a varied character with the surrounding environment growing into a mixed commercial / residential setting. The redevelopment will repurpose the site from its original 1960s use into a versatile, modern space fit for multiple tenancies.