The New and the Old Co-exist in Calthorpe Estate Office Building
A building that had been caught in a time warp has been given a modern look to support all the latest conveniences without compromising on its historical legacy. This seemingly impossible task was achieved by Glancy Nicholls Architects (GNA), who restored the Calthorpe Estate in Edgbaston. The Estate saw a makeover from a small confined office building to a modern structure with ventilation, multiple electrical fittings, and abundant free space.
GNA spokesperson Lyndon Glancy said that the building existed boxed into cubicles like many period estates. The company preserved some of the architectural features of the period (like high ceilings) while converting the building into a modern-day structure.
According to Glancy, the reconstruction was a real test, but when the building finally took shape, it emerged as a harmonious blend of architecture that reflected a bygone era and features that represented the modern era of smart corporate workplace hubs. The renovation was so well done that it generated an additional office space of more than 700sq ft with plenty of desk space rental potential
The new building boasts of a new reception area, wet room, kitchen area, and larger conference rooms. Small separate zones have been converted into spacious open working areas to enable the staff to communicate without any physical barriers between them. The outer facade of Calthorpe Estate has been maintained to conform to the requirements in Edgbaston area that emphasize on preserving the architectural heritage of its period buildings. The result is an office building that is reminiscent of a bygone era but is steeped in the modern methods as far as office requirements are concerned.
