The Gramophone Works

This landmark low-carbon urban project has refurbished and extended an existing canal-side building. Using mass timber, it has been increased from two to six storeys, adding 60,000sq ft of office space.

The former headquarters of Sanderson Fabrics and later of Saga Records, Gramophone Works was once at the epicentre of reggae music in London. A comprehensive effort to retain the existing structure references the heritage of the area and recognises that the most sustainable building is the one that already exists.

A hybrid glulam and CLT structure sits alongside retained reinforced concrete to create optimum value for the client, end users, and the environment, with 1222 TCO₂e of biogenic carbon sequestered in the structure.

Now home to a shared cafe, reception, vibrant offices, and generous amounts of external space at ground and roof levels, Gramophone Works feels playful, functional, and adaptable. Contemporary in form and style, honest in material and construction methodology, it stands out through its respect to the urban fabric of its canal-side setting.