what can evolve from essential rejuventation and imaginative innovation? - final year dissertation

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Hollie Willis BA Hons Interior Design Year 4 2014-2015

Abstract

This assignment highlights the

issue that not enough new homes are

being created for the current and

predicted population growth in the United

Kingdom, resulting in the present housing

crisis. Decreasing availability of land, and

the negative impact on local population

and wildlife from constructing on unused

land, means that renovation, rejuvenation

and repurposing of existing buildings into

new homes is essential.

This essay points to the

government's relaxation of planning laws

and offers of financial incentives for new-

builds on unused land, and for the

regeneration of existing buildings into new

homes, with the economic and ecological

advantages of using existing

infrastructures. As buildings targeted for

regeneration are often existing offices, the

scheme, therefore, creates housing in

towns or cities where population and

demand for homes is highest, increasing

property values and potentially having a

positive impact on the local economy.

Media influence is noted in

promoting current trends in housing, one

being off-site prefabricated construction,

and its advantages over traditional build

methods.

It mentions how the media is now

encouraging the concept of 'improving not

moving', as well as regeneration and

renovation of existing buildings.

The research conducted focuses

attention on converting unused or part-

used office space into new homes, and

outlines four successful case studies, as not

all existing buildings are structurally or

economically viable for this type of

conversion.

The in-depth study for the

conversion of No.1 Osborne Terrace,

Edinburgh, EH12 5HG, from office to

residential use, takes some inspiration

from the interior and exterior design

elements of off-site, pre-fabricated

construction methods. The novel,

proposed, internal design incorporates the

use of movable walls, unconventionally,

within a residential setting and conducted

object-based research reveals more in-

depth detail of existing, available movable

walls, with successful case studies. The

residential units can be reconfigured easily

on a daily, weekly, or more long term

basis, by using movable walls. This

provides a flexible environment, able to

adapt around the habitant's requirements

through ease of use and manoeuvrability.

An example could be a quiet office created

to work at home during the day, but the

wall can be retracted to provide an open-

plan family space in the evening. A longer-

term example is a large bedroom divided

into two smaller bedrooms if the need

arises. The knock-on effect of this original

concept is to reduce the need to move

home every time the resident's

requirement for space changes.

Subject to economic and

structural viability studies, this assignment

discusses the aims of the project, which is

to produce an aesthetically-pleasing,

cladded façade to the existing building

whilst also renovating its interior, and to

use the infrastructure already in place. The

intention is to provide much-needed,

appealing, new homes within, that are

functional but which also have an

innovative, practical, design twist.

Table of Contents

1 - Cover 2 - Abstract 3 - Table of contents 4 -Essay: What can evolve from essential rejuvenation and imaginative innovation? 5 - Introduction 6 - Quantitative and Qualitative Research 8 - Current Housing Trend 10 - Case Studies 17 - Object Based Research 24 - Conclusion 25 - Bibliography 27 - List of Illustrations

What can evolve from

essential rejuvenation

and imaginative

innovation?

INTRODUCTION

The creation of new homes is

absolutely essential in order to try and

keep pace with current and predicted

population growth in the United Kingdom

(U.K.). Alternatives to new homes on

supposedly unused land needs to be

seriously considered in light of the land

limits in the U.K. Imaginative, sympathetic

renovation and rejuvenation of existing

unused or part-used office space, often

within derelict buildings which blight the

landscape anyway, have the advantage of

using their existing infrastructures,

lending themselves successfully to be

transformed into new homes whilst also

promoting an alternative and positive way

forward.

Within this type of rejuvenation,

imaginative 21st-century innovative ideas

can be incorporated, such as movable

walls. Although beginning to become

popularly used in public spaces, they are

currently not often used in residential

settings. Movable walls will permit the

internal layout of the property to be

reconfigured in line with the resident's

requirements for use of their own space,

with the aim of meeting their needs

without having to move to a new home.

A similar concept was applied in the

design of the ultimate in movable walls,

shown on the front cover. Japanese

designer Yoshimasa Tsutsumi has created

a flexible wall which can be pushed back

anywhere on its surface to incorporate, or

embed, small or large items such as

furniture or objects. Instead of living

within walls, as hard separating surfaces

on which to hang or fix things, the flexible

walls are able to adapt around the user [1]

which is a similar concept that will be

applied to my final year project within No.

1 Osborne Terrace.

Rejuvenation and repurposing of

existing buildings by innovative planning

and design, incorporating movable walls in

particular, will be discussed further within

this assignment.

Figure 1: Yoshimasa Tsutsumi – Digit.

QUANTITATIVE

AND

QUALITATIVE

RESEARCH

The U.K. population is growing faster

than any other European Union (E.U.)

country. According to E. U. statistics, there

are "392,600 more people in Britain in

2012 compared to the previous year" [2].

An article written in 'The Telegraph'

newspaper in November 2013 clearly

stated this surprising information, with

great emphasis placed on the reasons

behind this large leap in population

increase. "More than a third of the

increase, 38%, or 148,700 people, were

accounted for by immigration, with the

rest accounted for by natural change" [2].

This research is illustrating that these are

the two principal reasons for the densely

populated country that we are currently

living in. It also highlights the staggering

statement that "Britain's population

growth rate, including immigration, is

almost three times the E.U. average" [2].

An interview with the chief executive

of 'Population Matters' (a charity working

for a global population size that can

provide a good standard of living, a healthy

environment and environmental

sustainability) Simon Ross, clearly

expresses his concern with regards to the

overwhelming, continuing rise in the U.K.

population. During the interview, he raises

a very interesting and serious point. He

says that “England is already Europe’s

most densely populated country... we also

have Europe’s highest population growth...

If we are serious about tackling the many

issues we face as a society, we need to

address one of the principal underlying

causes which is population growth" [2].

The United Kingdom is essentially an

island with land limits that cannot be

increased or exceeded. Whatever one's

views on solving the population crisis, it is

clear that it currently impacts hugely on

the U.K. housing sector. Everyone has to

live somewhere. It can be concluded that,

due to increasing immigration, improving

life expectancy, a higher birth rate,

amongst other factors, properties are

becoming considerably more in demand to

accommodate this continuing population

growth. Although more housing provision

will be needed for the rising population,

the U.K. land limits simply cannot be

extended.

On the 7th of November 2012, the

housing issue is clearly highlighted on the

Gov.uk web page, recognising the problem

and backing it up with astonishing

evidence. It states that “For decades, there

have not been enough homes to meet the

needs of our growing and ageing

population. From 2009 to 2010, only

115,000 new-builds were completed in

England – fewer than any year in peace

time since the 1920s, and that nearly a

quarter of a million homes in England have

stood empty for more than 6 months.” [3]

The principal action that the

government states that has been put in

place is mainly a significant amount of

funding for new-build homes on “empty”,

"unused" land around the country. This

may be a step in the right direction in

tackling the housing problem, but it could

be argued that funding for new-builds on

precious land which is decreasing in

availability, is not a long-term solution.

Increasing new development will also

potentially create more flood problems

due to the impervious surfaces - roads and

pavements, etc., unless the surface water

run-off and drainage is properly managed

and flood defences are improved, both of

which add hugely to the expense of any

new construction. The government has

stated that they want “builders, investors

and local councils to increase the supply of

both new-builds and repurposed empty

homes.” [3] In the official article, it states

that they have “introduced the New Homes

Bonus” which is “a grant to local councils

for increasing the number of homes and

their use” and have also provided

authority to councils so that they “can use

private finance initiatives… for housing

refurbishment and regeneration, where

other grants or funding wouldn’t have

been enough to make the changes needed.”

[3] They also say that they are “pursuing

other actions to bring empty homes back

into use.” [3] The government are clearly

trying to put policies in place to encourage

the renovation and re-usage of old derelict

properties in the U.K. The main focus

seems, however, to be still on new-builds,

indicating that the renovation of unused

housing is a less important factor in the

solution to the housing crisis we are

currently experiencing today. Out of the

thirteen main actions that the government

has stated are in place, only two are

referring to refurbishment and

regeneration. It can be argued that not

enough effort appears to have been put

into really looking for a better starting

point. The land that the new-builds are

envisaged for is supposedly “empty” and

“unused”, which is often not the case at all.

This land might not have been built on yet,

but most certainly will be used by the

surrounding inhabitants for leisure,

pleasure, social activities and general

enjoyment, as well as providing habitats

for local wildlife. The negative impact of

taking this land away and using it for

redevelopment and construction should

therefore be given very careful

consideration. There are other, potentially

better, possible solutions that can be

investigated before removing the

surroundings of the local community and

potentially endangering wildlife

habitations. An alternative should be to

look into what we already have, what may

not be presently used, or may not be being

used to its full potential. Perhaps more

government money should be invested

into the renovation of old, derelict housing

to create new, modern homes, appealing to

the masses, and so providing extra

accommodation for the increasing

population. Additionally, as a result of the

technology that we use today, and the new

way of life that people can therefore lead

by often working from home, working

from an office has become less important

and office space within older buildings is

often left unused. These empty or unused

office blocks should equally be studied

with a view to maximising their potential

by repurposing them as residential

housing. A secondary advantage for

anybody choosing to live in these new

homes within the old building is that they

will generally be within cities or towns,

with an infrastructure already in place to

support their lifestyle, which may well

include working from home.

During an interview with the Daily

Express in April 2013, economist and

report author Daniel Solomon said “By

2018, we expect the typical UK home will

cost £267,000 – over 20% more than this

year. Gradual wage and population

increases will be the fundamental drivers

of this medium-term trend.” [4] This

indicates that, with this consistent rise in

population, an equal increase in property

prices follows. The graph shown in Figure

2, produced by Nationwide [5], indicates

the considerable rise in property prices

over the previous years. This may itself

cause problems for first time buyers and

young families, whose finances aren’t

sufficient, and aren’t keeping pace with the

cost of renting or buying increasingly

expensive properties, particularly if they

need to upsize.

Figure 2: Graph of Average U.K. House Prices.

From research conducted by Savills in

2013, the top reason for the purchase of a

property in the U.K. today is because the

buyer wants to upsize (38% of the reasons

for purchasing a property in that year [6]).

The second reason is relocation (20% [6])

and the third reason is downsizing (15%

[6]).

Figure 3: Top 3 Reasons for the Purchase

of a Property in the U.K.

It could be concluded that the majority

of movement in the property market is

largely due to property owners wanting

more or less space, often in line with their

changing family size, maybe before and

after having children. In a property survey

conducted during 2012, by Savills, it was

deduced that “62% of properties bought

throughout that year were between the

price bracket of £500,000 and 1 million

pounds” [6]. These figures could be

interpreted as that the majority of houses

bought in 2012 were family sized

properties, with maybe 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms,

and that 'family' houses were the most

sought after type of property.

CURRENT

HOUSING

TREND

The effect of the Media cannot be

underestimated in influencing popular

thoughts and ideas in housing. This is

clearly demonstrated by the huge number

of interior design, architectural and

building programmes, which are

promoting the very popular, current idea

of off-site prefabricated construction.

The most popular concept in the

U.K. housing market today is very clearly

emphasised by the demand for new-builds

and modern-style housing. For individuals,

couples or families wishing to buy a larger

house, recent television shows have

promoted “off-site” construction methods

that have sometimes proven to be a

cheaper method of obtaining a dream

home. Prefabricated homes, often referred

to as “prefab homes” or simply “prefabs”,

“off-sites constructions” or even “modular

buildings”, is a method of construction that

has “been around for over 60 years,

beginning as a solution to the need for

post-war housing and classrooms for the

`Baby Boomers’” [7]. Its popularity has

increased vastly in the last decade. They

“have ecological advantages in comparison

to standard construction systems, since

they represent a more effective use of

resources and a reduction of construction

time and, therefore, cost. Houses are built

in one location and then carried by road

and reassembled on-site. Thus, building

materials can be used more economically

and efficiently, and very little refuse is

produced during construction or on-site.

Due to the improved technology and

construction typologies, the international

prefabrication industry can deliver up-to-

date houses which are aesthetically

pleasing. Additionally, they have a range of

prices from very cheap constructions to

more exclusive ones, depending on the

main material used (wood, steel,

galvanised aluminium and concrete)” [8].

These prefabricated houses also consist of

very interesting elements within their

construction, such as completely self-

contained bathroom pods. These units can

also be “constructed offsite and delivered

to the build to be craned into position and

connected to the mains services, reducing

the need for skilled workers and cutting

costs and timescales.” [7] Prefabricated

homes are becoming a very popular

method of construction in the U.K. now

due to low costs, reduced construction

time, energy efficiency and also the eco-

friendliness of the building as a whole. The

awareness and attractiveness of this type

of housing is promoted regularly in

televised modern, architectural and

interior design programs, highlighting the

beauty, as well as the other attributes of

these buildings. 'Terrapin', a company

which has 60 years’ worth of experience in

off-site construction solutions, states that

the continuous growth in popularity of this

construction method is “in no small part

due to the inspiring kit houses featured on

Channel 4’s Grand Designs.” [9] One of

Grand Designs most beautiful, stunning

and high-tech, off-site construction

projects, televised on Channel 4 [10], was

the Walton Huf Haus house for a German

couple, visible in Figure 4.

The artist owners went on to paint

the open-plan design in a style which

emulates Mondrian’s own pieces of art.

The breath-taking “heavy-glazed house

was built in just 6 days with all internal

fittings already in place.” [9] This

incredible feat of architectural excellence

proves that when imagination meets

engineering, the impossible becomes

possible. Sadly, however stunning this

architecture is, and however ingenious the

engineering may be, this type of

construction does not, at first glance,

appear to be a long-term solution to the

housing crisis that we are facing today. It

appears to be merely an inspirational

alternative to new-builds, but still on land

that is decreasing in availability.

This concept, however, could lend

itself to being part of a solution for the

future. Once built and put in place, these

then 'existing' properties become

extremely flexible as “the exterior design

and interior layout of these buildings are

almost limitless with the use of hybrid

technologies” [7]. Extensions and changes

to the exterior and interior design and

layout, can easily be made and integrated

into the existing structure. Consequently,

as these buildings are very adaptable, can

be altered quite easily or extended,

internal rooms made bigger or smaller, or

simply redesigned, this feature may

encourage people to stay longer in this

home before looking to move house, even

if their family size changes.

Figure 4: Grand Design Visit of Walton Huf Haus house.

Another original use for these

prefab style units is to build and equip

them off-site, and then insert them directly

into the shell of a large, existing, unused or

derelict building prior to linking the units

to services, and maybe even units to each

other to create double-size units. This

would make very good use of presently

partly-used, unused or derelict buildings,

and have the huge economical and eco-

friendly advantage of using the existing,

surrounding infrastructure such as

services, roads and schools. It would

provide 'new' housing within existing

buildings, without the need to use up more

valuable land space.

Alternatively, just certain

elements from this off-site pre-fabricated

construction concept could be taken and

used within the renovation of existing

derelict or unused buildings, such as the

fully integral bathroom pods. These could

be designed and constructed off-site, then

brought in and inserted into the

renovation. A further element which could

be used in the renovation and repurposing

of an old building is the off-site production

of exterior panelling or cladding. Once

brought on-site it can be erected on the

exterior, producing an almost instant

change in appearance and creating an

aesthetically pleasing façade, which

blends, or contrasts, with the surrounding

environment in a sympathetic manner.

An important issue in design thinking

to reduce the housing crisis is the way the

media can promote the message that

renovation and re-use of existing buildings

should be the primary consideration,

taking priority over new-build

construction and land-use. T.V.

programmes are beginning to encourage

revolutionary new ideas and innovation

for these types of renovations, such as

“Double your house for half the money”

starring Sarah Beeny [11]. Throughout the

series, she helps people achieve their

dream home and saves them the cost of

moving, by expanding their existing

property outwards, upwards or by

reconfiguring the internal layout. At

present there are, however, less of these

shows than of those promoting new-

builds. More media encouragement should

be given to this concept.

CASE STUDIES

“In January (2013), the

government announced plans to relax

permitted development rights to allow the

conversion of Class B (offices) into C3

(residential) without the need for planning

permission.” [12] This allows redundant,

disused offices not suitable for present day

office users to be repurposed and brought

back into use as new homes in urban areas

where the shortage of homes is greatest.

The following case studies are excellent

examples of this type of conversion.

St George’s House,

Croydon

The 24-storey tower known as St

Georges House was formerly the Nestle UK

& Ireland Headquarters building, in the

centre of Croydon, south London. “The

company left St George's House in

September 2012 and moved to West

Sussex” [13], since then the building has

remained empty. “Croydon Council

granted planning permission to financial

services company Legal & General to

create 288 new homes” [13]. EPR

Architects were employed by Legal &

General for the redevelopment, who

elegantly re-modelled the existing building

to create new high-quality contemporary

residencies. The Architects decided to

retain the existing frame and added an

extra four storeys, and a further three

storeys to the adjacent building and

balconies and cladding in warm tones. The

materials used have been inspired by the

architecture and heritage of Croydon.

“From the outset, we established that re-

using the building frame was a sustainable

approach, reducing the embodied energy

that would be required for a complete new

build. Green roofs are proposed to create a

bio diverse environment, high quality

landscaping and public realm contributing

to the wellbeing of the residents and

general public.” [14]

Figure 5: Before Photograph of St George’s

House, Croydon

Figure 6: EPR Architects Proposal for St

George’s House, Croydon

Oxford House, City of

London

The office to residential conversion of

Oxford House in London for Land

Securities was designed by Piercy &

Company’s. Their proposal remodels the

1960’s commercial building into 89

apartments and double height retail

spaces. The building will retain the

majority of its existing internal structure;

however the appearance and function of

the building will be completely

transformed. A modern, articulate façade

will replace the buildings old and

monotonous exterior. “Piercy & Company’s

proposal for Land Securities seeks to

significantly improve and extend the retail

space at street and basement levels, and to

refurbish the low quality office floors

above to create high quality residential

space.” [16]

Figure 7: Before and After Photograph and

Proposal for Oxford House, London.

Roman House, City of

London

Roman House is one of the City of

London’s first post war reconstruction

offices. The proposed luxurious,

residential development of Roman House

is in the City of London, next to the

Barbican and the Listed Monument Roman

London Wall. “The disused eight storey

office building has been carefully stripped,

redeveloped and extended to

accommodate 90 studio, one, two and

three bedroom residential apartments.”

[17] The proposal will keep the expressed

frame of the original building but infill the

frame with a pre-fabricated bay window

and balcony cassette. A&Q Partnership

stated that “the development has been a

considerable success with both the quality

of finish and detailing reflected in the

appetite for purchase.” [17]

Figure 8: Before and After Photograph

and Proposal for Roman House, London.

Witham Wharf,

Lincoln

The brief for Witham Wharf in Lincoln

was to “develop the detailed design for the

conversion of a 1970s pre-cast concrete

office building into 114 luxury apartments

overlooking a marina, Brayford Pool, with

space for restaurants at ground floor.” [18]

Existing concrete cladding panels were

removed and the building is now entirely

re-clad in high quality, low maintenance

materials. BDP. Architects stated that

throughout the design and building

process, “the emphasis has been on

quality. Detailed modelling of balconies

and roof canopies have been composed to

lighten the appearance of what was a

dreary, monolithic structure, while shifting

the unrelieved symmetry of the existing

facades.” [18] Completed in 2007, at a

construction cost of £14 million, it later

received the Daily Mail UK Property Award

in Architecture. The renewed development

is now playing a major role in the

regeneration of the area around the

Brayford Pool.

Figure 9: Before and After Photograph

of Witham Wharf, Lincoln.

Potential worries could be raised

by local people affected by the concept of

office to residential conversions. It could

be thought that the new homes may be of a

poor standard, and may change the

character of the area from bustling

employment and retail activities to a less

active residential use. However, if these

offices are already derelict and not being

utilised to their full potential, these

concerns would not apply as these

buildings are not anyway having a positive

impact, aesthetically or economically, on

the community in their current condition.

Additionally, residential prices per square

metre are usually higher than office prices,

which would help the local economy. For

example, in London, “according to the

Financial Times, average residential values

in the capital are £3,000 per sq. ft

compared with £2,375 for office space.”

[12] Additionally, very careful

consideration must be given to the cost of

converting an existing office block as

sometimes it may not be economically

viable to do so. There are many factors

that may influence this decision such as

the era of construction. For example, some

post-war buildings do not have sufficient

daylight, ventilation, drainage, service runs

and escape strategies and can be very

costly to convert to comply with

residential needs. Also the cladding of an

existing building for aesthetic reasons, can

prove to be of high expense to also meet

modern day thermal, energy performance,

acoustic transmission, fire protection and

privacy requirements. The more

appropriate offices for conversions are

those of which the majority of the existing

building can be retained, such as the

structural frame and foundations, avoiding

the need for large alterations or

demolition. The most obvious candidates

for office to residential conversions are

period properties as they can be reverted

back to their original residential purpose

with more ease than other types of

buildings. However, there may be Listed

Building status to take into consideration

with regards to any envisaged alterations,

such as for their protected façades, in

which case, internal wall insulation might

be an alternative to insulating externally.

“Sound transmission is a concern

when upgrading offices to meet residential

needs, particularly in 1960s blocks where

numerous service cavities and ducts

transmit airborne and impact sound. Solid

and concrete superstructures also tend to

allow impact sounds to bridge from one dwelling to another.” [12] Post 1940

buildings were often lighter due to

improvements in design knowledge, but

sadly creates today’s difficulty and high

costs in complying with the minimum

airborne sound insulation requirement

between dwellings

A more overriding consideration

is reflected in Ben de Waals view, Head of

Residential at Davis Langdon, who says

where “significant empty and unlettable

office space is creating blight … and where

buildings are close to local amenities and

transport links, I can’t see an argument for

not converting.” [12] Roger Zogolovitch,

architect and developer who also runs the

company Solidspace is “optimistic that the

move could attract investment, deliver

innovation … and stimulate local

economies” [12]. Therefore, choosing the

right building, in the right location, with

the right design and solid existing

infrastructure, which is financially viable

and has public approval, an office to

residential conversion can have a positive

impact on the local community, as well as

being part of the solution to tackling the

U.K. housing crisis.

An example of a building which

could easily lend itself to an office to

residential conversion could be the

existing central Edinburgh office block,

No. 1 Osborne Terrace, EH12 5HG,

visible in Figure 10.

At present, it is currently being

used as let office space but it is not fully

rented out or utilised to its maximum

potential, and so a large majority of its

floor area is currently unused. As a 1970s

office block, it has a very spacious, open-

plan layout with very few obstructions

other than weight-bearing, supporting

columns, spaced at regular intervals. It has

large windows looking out onto beautiful

surroundings, providing a bright

environment with optimum natural light

throughout the building. As it is presently

offices, all the appropriate legal

requirements must be in place for this type

of activity. However, there will be similar,

but increased requirements for residential

purposes for energy performance, thermal

insulation, acoustic transmission, fire

protection, drainage, privacy and all other

compulsory elements. The existing

infrastructure is a huge advantage both

economically and ecologically for the

conversion. There is more than adequate

car parking for potential residents and a

lot of public transport access to the

building with facilities already in place to

enable the residents to get around the city

with ease. Princes Street is a very short

distance away. The Haymarket train

station is in close proximity to the

building, as well as a very nearby tram

stop. The local buses stop right outside the

entrance. The building is also located on

the principal routes to the motorway and

airport. Office rental prices at this location

are currently being advertised at “£14.00

per Square Foot” [19] whereas new build

values in this postcode are “£250.00 to

£275.00” [20], as visible in Figure 11.

It therefore could be presumed

that depending on the final specification of

the residencies created, that this

conversion will definitely add value to the

property itself, and ultimately raise

property values in the surrounding area.

Figure 10: Photograph of Exterior of No. 1 Osborne Terrace,

Edinburgh.

Figure 11: Edinburgh City Residential Development Sales Spring

2014.

Having identified and established

the potential of No. 1 Osborne Terrace for

an office to residential conversion, it is

hoped it would stimulate interest not only

within the City of Edinburgh but also in

Scotland and within the U.K. generally. Due

to the relaxation of the planning laws

announced by the government in January

2013 [12], there is now, more than ever, a

great opportunity for architects to really

demonstrate their full potential for

inspirational creativity and originality in

the renovation of these old, derelict and

unused buildings, as well going some way

towards helping the current housing crisis

in the U.K. With careful thought, design

and planning, No. 1 Osborne Terrace could

be used as a landmark building for

alternative, innovative ideas which have

the objective of trying to encourage

residents not to move house, but to stay

where they are for longer. This could be

achieved by being able to reconfigure,

enlarge or reduce their space, or increase

or decrease the number of rooms in line

with their changing personal or family

requirements.

OBJECT BASED

RESEARCH

With this concept in mind, Style is an

award winning company specialising in

the supply, installation, service and repair

of all types of sliding partitions, sliding

folding partitions, glass partitions and

movable walls. They provide their most

state-of-the-art, modern and exclusive U.K.

services to architects, specifiers,

contractors and end-user clients within a

range of different types of buildings

varying in sizes and functions.

As sole UK distributors for Dorma,

Style works in close relationship with their

factories in Belgium and Germany, which

produce “1000 metres of movable wall

panels per week, up to 150,000 globally

per annum, with fully automated

processes and completely quality

controlled procedures.” [21] They invested

significantly to ensure that products

produced in their factories, are made to

the highest quality, minimising any

defects. Their vast capabilities mean that

they can produce very large volumes of

units and also respond quickly if, for

example, a panel is damaged on arrival.

Early delivery requests are possible and

the factories are “extremely co-operative

when production timings are squeezed. …

We maintain very strong delivery

schedules with panels arriving in perfect

condition, which results in a great deal of

project efficiency for our on-site teams and

our customers.” [21]

Style operates throughout the UK from

five strategically placed offices, where each

office is run as an independent, director

owned business. The office for the South is

in Ferndown, the South East office is in

North Weald Bassett, The Midlands office

is in Coalville, The Northern office is in

Bolton and the office for Scotland is in

Tillicoultry [22]. “Our philosophy has

always been to offer quality; consequently,

we will not be the cheapest, but please be

assured that we will always endeavour to

provide you with both the service and

finished installation you expect.” [23]

Style, as a company, are the market leaders

in movable wall partitions and this has

been proven to their clients by the many

awards they have won through the quality

of the products they provide and the in-

depth knowledge and experience of their

employees. They have won the Silver and

Gold awards in the ‘moveable partitions’

sector for eight of the past nine years, with

a run of four consecutive Golds from 2008-

2011. They are also full members of the

AIS (Association of Interior Specialists).

They promote their knowledge and

extended experience of installations in

corporate board rooms, hotels and schools,

through case studies of each project

available on their website and in their

offices, and can generally produce a design

that meets both the specification and the

budget. Style are providers of RIBA-

approved CPD seminars, on the topics of

Multi-functional space and fully

automated, vertically rising acoustic

partition systems, which also indicates to

the client that they are respected for their

knowledge and reputation within the

movable wall sector. All of their products

are fully supported by appropriate

acoustic certification offering sound

reductions up to Rw 60 dB and a 30

minute fire rating. They also have obtained

the first ever UK EPD (Environmental

Product Declaration) certification for

moveable walls. “We’re accredited to UKAS

standards for ISO 9001:2008 ‘Quality’, ISO

14001:2004 ‘Environmental’ and BS

OHSAS:18001 ‘Occupational Health &

Safety’ as part of a group-integrated

management system. In addition we are

also continuing to maintain our CHAS (The

Contractor’s Health & Safety Assessment

Scheme) accreditation.” [23]

There are five types of movable walls

that they provide, each with different

methods used to divide spaces. “Movable

walls are sliding panels that run along a

top track and are neatly stacked to the

side. Folding walls are sliding partitions

that are continuously hinged to fold away

when not in use. Skyfold walls are

vertically rising, acoustic walls that retract

into the ceiling when not in use. Glass

sliding partitions and glass movable walls

offer light and visibility. Multiroll

partitions are a flexible, vertically rising

wall which quickly transforms vast

spaces.”[24] Each option varies in Rw dB

rating, thickness, height, length, weight,

panel width and finishes and there for can

be fabricated and installed to the clients’

exact needs.

There are several different types of

panelling, as highlighted in the case

studies. Figure 12 shows the detailed

computer aided drawing, provided by

Style, of the differing panel types that their

company provides.

Style provides the client with a wide

range of technology and various types of

panels. The choice of arrangement of the

parking position plays a large part in the

layout and flexibility of the design. Figure

13 shows another detailed computer aided

drawing, provided by Style, of the various

parking positions that can be chosen for

the selected type of movable wall design.

The environment and surrounding existing

structure can influence the choice of the

best type of panelling, and also the best

type parking position potentially for that

specific area.

Figure 12: Style - Detailed Computer Aided Drawing of Panel Types.

Figure 13:Style - Detailed Computer Aided Drawing of Panel Parking Positions.

For the Dorma Moveo movable

walls, the panels generally compromise of

a “closed composite construction

consisting of MDF outer boards bonded to

an aluminium frame and containing an

acoustic core, panel thickness 100mm.

Track extruded aluminium, and track

junctions incorporating drop forged roller

bearings. Carriers are fully adjustable and

secured to panels by horizontal ball

bearings engaging with shock absorbing

roller pins.” [25] The client can specify the

method of operation, the characteristics,

the opening size, the parking position

arrangement as detailed previously, the

number of panels, the type of closure and

pass doors, the acoustic insulation, the

panel edges, the fixing and void structure,

a functional finish and the choice between

a very large array of panel and wall post

finishes.

Figure 14 shows an example of

one of Styles’ lecture theatre projects

offering a dramatic separation in space as

well as an acoustic divide, where panels

can be manoeuvred to stack compactly

within a room at either the end of the track

or remotely within a storage recess [26].

Figure 14: Style - Example of Lecture

Theatre Project.

Another one of Styles’ projects

was the insertion of Stylefold Sliding

Folding Partition to divide two meeting

rooms at Glostrup Borough Council [27].

An additional example of a project

Style completed was for Pittsburgh based

law firm Reed Smith LLP at their new

headquarters in Broadgate Tower, London.

They introduced vertically rising Skyfold

Classic folding walls. Ease of use is the

most critical factor. In this project, the

double Skyfold walls can either separate

the area into individual meeting areas or

open the entire area up for larger

functions. [28]

Large conference rooms and

spaces can lend themselves easily to later

additions of movable walls due to their

very simplistic and functional layout.

There is, however, very little evidence of

this concept being applied to residential

projects, mainly due to the fact that the

inclusion of movable walls needs to be

thought out and planned in the design

stage of a residence rather than as an add-

on at a later date.

Figure 15: Style – Glostrup Borough Council

Project.

Figure 16: Style – Broadgate Tower

Project in London.

Another example of movable walls

used within a residential environment is

that of the Appartamento Roma completed

in 2010 by the Italian Firm Anaunia [30].

Figure 17: Style – High-End Residence

Project in London.

Figure 18: Anaunia - Appartamento Roma Project.

An example of one of Styles’

projects, which had been produced for a

high-end residence in London, was where

the owner wanted to create a flexible space

with an out-of-the-ordinary twist of which

the main priority was emphasized on the

interior design. The client wanted to

introduce a movable partitioning wall with

a detailed map of London on one side and

the World on the other. “Although unusual

for Style to work in a residential property it

is a growing trend allowing flexible space

within the home.” [29].

CONCLUSION

Statistics show that there are not

enough homes for the current population

and not enough housing being planned for

a future rising population. The U.K. land

limits simply cannot be increased, and so

my project looks into an alternative to

new-builds by which existing buildings can

be better utilised to help the current

housing crisis in the U.K. today. Before

anything new is built, the primary focus

should be to maximise the potential of

existing buildings and the surrounding

infrastructure that is already in place.

Having investigated the current trend of

prefabricated off-site construction, it was

felt that some elements of this type of

construction could be incorporated into

larger scale projects, such as office block

conversion to residential, for both

ecological as well as economic reasons.

These could promote time-saving,

practical design of building interiors, as

well as solutions to external renovations of

old and tired façades. Relaxed regulations

put in place by the government regarding

office to residential conversions, supports

the argument for repurposing empty and

unlettable office space into much needed

homes, as highlighted in the four

successful case studies. My specific project

tries to incorporate the concept of

providing housing through a successful

office to residential conversion, with an

innovative twist. The project aims to

convert the partly let office block at No. 1

Osborne Terrace in central Edinburgh into

much needed new homes. The objective is

also to encourage occupiers to envisage

long term residency. This could be

achieved by being able to easily

reconfigure, enlarge or reduce their space,

or increase or decrease the number of

rooms, in line with their changing personal

or family requirements, by the careful

incorporation at design stage, of movable

partition walls. Having researched popular

and successful types of movable partition

walls, it appears that although used

commercially in public buildings, there is

very little evidence of this concept being

applied to residential projects. My vision

for No. 1 Osborne Terrace is, firstly, to

provide much needed homes by

maximising the potential of an existing

office building, using the infrastructure

already in place. Secondly, I want to

provide an innovative, flexible space for

residents by the incorporation of easily

movable walls, so reducing the need to

move home with every change of personal

circumstance, and, perhaps, as a side-effect

promote the growth of a small community.

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List of

Illustrations

Front cover Image: Kanta Ushio,

(2012), Yoshimasa Tsutsumi Digit

[ONLINE]. Available at:



Figure 1: Kanta Ushio, (2012),

Yoshimasa Tsutsumi Digit [ONLINE].

Available at:



Figure 2: Nationwide, (2014),

Average UK House Prices [ONLINE].

Available at:

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/~/media/

MainSite/documents/about/house-price-

index/Nov_2014.pdf. Last accessed 14th

Dec 2014.

Figure 3: Savills, (2014), Reasons

for Purchase - Top 3 [ONLINE]. Available

at: http://www.savills.co.uk/estate-

agents/savills-edinburgh/edinburgh-

residential/edinburgh-market-

insight/town-market.aspx. Last accessed

14th Dec 2014.

Figure 4: Channel 4, (2013), Grand

Design: Woodbridge Revisit, 2013



grand-designs/on-demand/46761-034.


Figure 5: BBC News London,

(2013), Former Nestle HQ in Croydon to be

converted into flats [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-

london-21401383. Last accessed 14th Dec

2014.

Figure 6: EPR Architects, (2013),

Re-inventing an urban landmark


http://www.epr.co.uk/projects/architects

-residential/st-georges-house/. Last


Figure 7: Piercy & Company,

(2013), Oxford House [ONLINE]. Available

at:

http://www.piercyconner.co.uk/?page_id=

6&album=1&gallery=44. Last accessed

14th Dec 2014.

Figure 8: A&Q Partnership, (2011),

Roman House, City of London [ONLINE].

Available at:

http://www.aqp.co.uk/residential/roman_

house/. Last accessed 14th Dec 2014.

Figure 9: BDP, (2006), Witham

Wharf [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://www.bdp.com/en/Projects/By-

Name/P-Z/Witham-

Wharf/?category=26&parentpageid=37.


Figure 10: Hollie Willis, (2014), No.1

Osborne Terrace. Photo taken by myself on

the 27th Oct 2014.

Figure 11: Savills, (2014), Spotlight:

Edinburgh City and Glasgow City

Residential Development Sales Spring

2014 [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://pdf.euro.savills.co.uk/residential---

other/spot-edandglas.pdf. Last accessed

14th Dec 2014.

Figure 12: Style Movable Wall

Specialists, (2014), Panel Types [ONLINE].

Available at: http://www.style-

partitions.co.uk/assets/Uploads/movable-

walls/technical-docs/000400.jpg. Last



Specialists, (2014), Parking Layouts

[ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.style-

partitions.co.uk/assets/Uploads/movable-

walls/technical-docs/317864.jpg. Last



Specialists, (2014), Technical specification

[ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.style-

partitions.co.uk/movable-walls/. Last



Specialists, (2014), Glostrup [ONLINE].


partitions.co.uk/folding-walls/case-

studies/glostrup/. Last accessed 14th Dec

2014.


Specialists, (2014), London/Reed Smith

LLP [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://www.style-

partitions.co.uk/skyfold-walls/case-

studies/reed-smith/. Last accessed 14th

Dec 2014.


Specialists, (2014), Map of London on One

Side. The World on the Other. [ONLINE].


partitions.co.uk/movable-walls/case-

studies/london-residence/. Last accessed

14th Dec 2014.

Figure 18: Anaunia , (2010),

Appartamento Roma [ONLINE]. Available

at:

http://www.anaunia.it/it/realizzazioni.ph

p?start=5&show=58. Last accessed 14th

Dec 2014.