Devonshire Square - Atelier Ellis Architects

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Project Objectives

The Devonshire Square redevelopment project presented a unique opportunity to reimagine a historic part of London and transform it into a vibrant estate under the WeWork vision of “live, work, play.” The scope of the project extended beyond simple building refurbishment and encompassed a comprehensive masterplan that would guide the phased redevelopment of both new and old buildings, transforming the estate into a thriving, modern destination that attracted a wide range of occupants.

The key objectives included:

Masterplanning the estate to integrate WeWork’s vision, blending workspaces with leisure, retail, and residential spaces.
Phasing the redevelopment of buildings according to lease expiry dates and other key milestones to ensure a smooth transition.
Preserving and celebrating the historical significance of the older buildings while upgrading their functionality to meet modern standards.
Reducing energy demand and promoting sustainable, healthier working environments.
Attracting tenants, visitors, and residents by creating a cohesive destination that reflects the future of work and urban living.

The project had to be executed with sensitivity to the estate’s history, ensuring that the character of the early 1800s warehouses and the original London stock brick façades were preserved while embracing the future with more modern designs.

Design Concept

The design concept for Devonshire Square was grounded in WeWork’s philosophy of integrating workspaces with lifestyle amenities. The estate was envisioned as a place where people could not only work but also live, socialise, and enjoy leisure activities. This concept of “live, work, play” became central to the masterplan, ensuring the estate would be a dynamic, multifunctional space.

The older buildings were carefully restored to highlight their historical features, such as the soft yellow London stock brick façade, while internally they were modernised to accommodate flexible office spaces, retail units, and dining areas. The newer buildings, designed by Richard Seifert & Partners in the 1970s, were upgraded to reflect contemporary architectural standards, with an emphasis on improving energy efficiency and enhancing the occupant experience.

The redevelopment also aimed to introduce more natural light into the workspaces, create open and collaborative environments, and improve air quality, all of which contributed to healthier, more sustainable working conditions. The masterplan incorporated green spaces, rooftop terraces, and pedestrian-friendly pathways to encourage outdoor activities and foster a sense of community among the estate’s occupants.

Challenges

One of the primary challenges of the Devonshire Square project was the complexity of working with a mix of historic and modern buildings. The older buildings, some of which had been used as warehouses in the early 1800s for storing goods shipped from Bengal, required sensitive restoration to preserve their historical significance. The integration of modern amenities without compromising the authenticity of these structures was a delicate balancing act.

Additionally, the phased redevelopment posed logistical challenges, as each building’s refurbishment had to be carefully timed with major events such as lease expiries. This required detailed planning and coordination with tenants to minimise disruption while maintaining the estate’s overall functionality.

The project also faced the challenge of meeting modern sustainability standards within the constraints of older buildings. Reducing energy demand and improving environmental performance required innovative solutions, including retrofitting existing structures with energy-efficient systems and materials.

Creating a cohesive vision for the future of the estate also involved extensive collaboration with investors, stakeholders, and tenants. Multiple meetings and tours were conducted to ensure everyone was aligned on the goals of the redevelopment and to build confidence in the future vision for the estate.

Budget

The Devonshire Square redevelopment was a major investment involving both preservation of heritage structures and modernisation of office spaces, leisure areas, and communal facilities. The budget was carefully allocated to ensure that each phase of the redevelopment was financially feasible while meeting the overall vision for the estate.

Historic Building Restoration

A significant portion of the budget was dedicated to restoring the early 1800s warehouses. This involved careful preservation of the original London stock brick façade, as well as updating the interiors to provide modern office spaces without losing the historical charm of the buildings. The restoration process was more costly than a typical refurbishment due to the need for specialised craftsmanship and materials that matched the historical period.

Newer Buildings Upgrades

The 1978 office building, originally designed by Richard Seifert & Partners, required substantial upgrades to meet modern office standards and reduce energy demand. The budget covered the installation of energy-efficient systems, façade improvements, and interior redesigns to create flexible, open-plan workspaces that reflected the needs of contemporary businesses.

Energy and Sustainability Investments

A portion of the budget was allocated to sustainability initiatives, including the installation of energy-efficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems. Solar panels were integrated where possible, and green roofs and rooftop terraces were added to reduce the estate’s carbon footprint and provide additional outdoor space for occupants.

Phased Development and Masterplanning Costs

Phasing the redevelopment of the estate required careful budget management to ensure that each phase was financially viable and that resources were allocated effectively across the entire project. This included costs associated with tenant relocations, lease management, and strategic planning for future development phases.

Background/Context

Devonshire Square has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s when it was used as a series of warehouses to store goods shipped from Bengal, including silk, ivory, and mother-of-pearl. The original buildings were constructed using the soft yellow London stock brick typical of the period, giving them a distinctive appearance that remains an important feature of the estate today.

In contrast, the newer office building on the estate was constructed in 1978 by Richard Seifert & Partners, a renowned architectural firm responsible for many notable London buildings. While this building lacked the historical significance of the older warehouses, it was an important part of the estate’s evolution into a modern business hub.

The estate’s mix of old and new buildings made it an attractive location for a WeWork redevelopment project that sought to balance the preservation of heritage with the demands of contemporary workspaces. Devonshire Square was also strategically located in the heart of London, making it a prime site for a masterplan that would turn it into a future-forward destination that embodied the “live, work, play” philosophy.

The redevelopment aimed to honour the estate’s historical roots while looking to the future of work and urban living. This required a holistic approach that considered not just the physical buildings but also the environment, amenities, and community that would inhabit the space.

Design

The design of the Devonshire Square estate was guided by WeWork’s vision of creating a vibrant, multifunctional space that integrated work, leisure, and residential elements into a cohesive whole. The masterplan reflected a balance between preserving the historical integrity of the older buildings and modernising the estate to meet the needs of contemporary businesses and residents.

Historic Building Design:

The restoration of the early 1800s warehouses focused on preserving their original character while introducing modern amenities. The soft yellow London stock brick façades were carefully restored to their original appearance, with particular attention to detail to ensure that the craftsmanship matched the original construction. Inside, the spaces were transformed into flexible office environments that catered to modern work habits, with open floor plans, natural light, and collaborative work areas.

Exposed brick walls, original beams, and other historical features were retained where possible, providing a sense of continuity between the estate’s past and present. At the same time, modern infrastructure such as heating, cooling, and data systems were discreetly integrated into the design to ensure comfort and functionality.

Newer Building Design

The office building designed by Richard Seifert & Partners in 1978 underwent a major upgrade to bring it in line with contemporary architectural standards. The design team focused on improving the building’s energy performance, including the installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems, new windows, and enhanced insulation. The interior spaces were reconfigured to create more flexible workspaces that encouraged collaboration and innovation.

To reflect the overall aesthetic of the estate, the newer building’s exterior was updated with materials that complemented the older warehouses while giving the building a more modern, sleek appearance. Rooftop terraces and green spaces were added to provide occupants with access to outdoor areas, promoting wellbeing and a connection to nature.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability was a key focus of the Devonshire Square redevelopment. Green roofs were installed on several buildings to help reduce energy consumption and provide additional outdoor spaces for tenants. Solar panels were integrated into the design where possible, and energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems were installed throughout the estate.

Natural light was maximised in all buildings to reduce reliance on artificial lighting, and air quality was improved through the use of high-efficiency filtration systems. The estate was also designed to be pedestrian-friendly, with limited vehicle access and an emphasis on creating pleasant walking routes between buildings.

Outdoor Spaces and Public Realm

The public realm was a central part of the design, with the aim of creating inviting outdoor spaces that encouraged people to spend time on the estate. Courtyards, green spaces, and pedestrian pathways were integrated into the masterplan, providing places for relaxation, socialising, and events.

The rooftop terraces, in particular, have the potential to became standout features of the design, offering panoramic views of London and providing spaces for both informal gatherings and formal events. These terraces were designed to be flexible, allowing for a variety of uses, from quiet breaks to large-scale functions.

Scott and the team demonstrated a deep understanding of the estate's heritage while delivering a modern, future-forward vision.

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A redevelopment project presenting a unique opportunity to reimagine a historic part of London and transform it into a vibrant estate.