Project
Royal Town Planning Institute
The Client Brief
The Royal Town Planning Institute faced a pivotal decision about the suitability of their long-standing headquarters, an 8,000-square-foot building in Botolph Lane. Having occupied the space for two decades, the client sought a comprehensive transformation to align the property with their brand identity and modernise it for future needs.
History of the Property and Area
Located in the Eastcheap conservation area, the building dates to the 19th century. Noteworthy aspects adding to the area's allure includes its medieval street arrangement, historical connections to Billingsgate Market and the Thames, remnants of post-Fire development, and numerous listed buildings of high architectural quality from different periods.
Scope of Work and Challenges
The scope of work aimed to transform the building, from stripping it back to shell to the installation of a new roof, sash windows, shopfront, passenger lift, staircase, lighting, centralised plant, and air-source heat pumps for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water services. The challenge was not only in the extensive refurbishment but also in ensuring compliance with energy efficiency standards and accessibility requirements.
The coordination and collaboration of a highly focused professional team of designers, consultants, and surveyors were crucial in overcoming technical challenges and achieving the high-quality finish, creating a seamless blend of modern design within the historic context of the building.
Design Details and Final Delivery
The outcome was a distinctive office refurbishment, featuring a reception area, a member's floor with meeting rooms, and open-plan agile workspaces across three floors. Additionally, new facilities such as bike storage, showers, and staff breakout spaces were incorporated. The energy performance of the building saw a remarkable improvement, culminating in an EPC rating of B upon completion.
The simple yet impactful design by Shaw Studios transformed the interior, providing modern spaces for occupants to work, meet, and socialise. The building's revitalised aesthetics, coupled with upgraded services and plant, ensured compliance with Part L and Part M regulations, showcasing a commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and accessibility.
“InteriorLAB were imaginative, focusing on our requirements with great attention to detail and sympathy for the age of the building and conservation area. It was a real transformation, creating a more flexible and accessible workspace that achieved our climate action goals. The EPC has increased from a G to a B rating. InteriorLAB demonstrated true professionalism, diligence and dedication during the project and delivered exactly what we wanted; we would highly recommend InteriorLAB.”
Anil Ramdhan, Chief Technology Officer
The RTPI headquarters project reflects InteriorLAB's commitment to redefining the construction landscape. From understanding the client's vision to addressing construction challenges and delivering a beautiful yet functional space, this project stands as a testament to our team’s diligent efforts and dedication.