Architect |
Squire & Partners |
Date
Built |
2011 |
Location |
Euston Road |
Description |
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In 2011 Unison moved
out of their 1970s tower block at 1
Mabledon Place across Euston Road to this
new building. In fact only part of
this new headquarters is new because the
site incorporates the Grade II listed
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital built
in the 19th century. Designed by
Squire and Partners, the new office
building wraps around the old hospital and
the space between the two forms a
courtyard with a glass roof.
Unison say that their aims for the new development were to: - create a new office building for the union's staff, including a central atrium with a glazed roof - restore the former Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital building, bringing it back to its full Victorian splendour - build 47 apartments providing both affordable and private accommodation, including two storey and four storey mews houses - create an exhibition space to commemorate the life and work of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (the first woman to qualify as a physician in the UK) The architect's website
says that, "The design maximises
the potential of the existing listed
buildings, as well as providing a new,
efficient office space for UNISON. The
HQ gained planning consent in February
2008, and completed May of 2011.
Squire and Partners was also
commissioned to undertake the fitout
for UNISON including the provision of
TV/radio studios, press rooms,
conference facilities, catering
facilities and a large council
debating chamber. The scheme achieves
over 50% carbon reductions above Part
L of the Building Regulations and the
biomass boiler and photovoltaics will
ensure that 20% of energy is from
renewable sources. Upon completion
UNISON achieved a score of 73.53% and
was awarded a BREEAM rating of
‘Excellent.’ Squire and Partners'
scheme has improved the existing
townscape and the setting of the
listed buildings, with animation at
ground floor and street level
providing a focus for the development,
and enhancing the site's presence on
the Euston Road and Churchway."
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