Squire & Partners have developed The Department Store Studios, a new four-storey contemporary workspace building adjacent to their award-winning offices at The Department Store in Brixton, London. The new development creates a platform for growing businesses with flexible workspaces – from individual desks to private studios – and a host of serviced social and meeting areas. The Studios is also home to a neighbourhood bar, restaurant, and screening room.

The crafted red brick building replaces a series of derelict annex structures from the 1970s, taking inspiration from the robust Edwardian aesthetic of The Department Store. Textured, snapped brickwork is offset by smooth concrete lintels that frame openings across the building. Large, faceted bay windows create a rhythm across the elevations, with dark metal frames that reference the industrial Crittall windows in The Department Store. A setback fourth floor responds to the surrounding residential streets and creates generous external terraces. 120 sqm of green roof and planted terraces enhance local biodiversity, and 28 photovoltaic panels create renewable energy on site. 

Internally, designs are centred on sustainability and the honesty of raw materials. Establishing a stripped-back aesthetic, the cross laminated timber frame and brick finishes are exposed, offset by polished plaster and grey screed floors. Large openable windows lessen the need for artificial heating and cooling, and an advanced lighting system ensures natural daylight from all four sides of the building is only supplemented when necessary.