Architecture firm Carmody Groarke has successfully transformed a former textile workshop in London into a modern office building, adding a striking steel-clad extension that doubles as both a practical expansion and an architectural statement. The project, located at 469 Bethnal Green Road, demonstrates how existing industrial structures can be given new life through thoughtful design and sustainable building practices.
The original building, constructed in the 1970s as a textile workshop, was initially scheduled for demolition before developer Unity Land decided to preserve and expand the structure instead. This decision proved to be both environmentally conscious and economically sound, as Carmody Groarke was able to double the building's floor area while maintaining its industrial character.
The architectural transformation involved adding three new timber-framed stories on top of the existing concrete-framed structure, creating a total of 2,200 square meters of flexible office space. The extension, clad in hot-dipped galvanized steel panels, creates a visual dialogue with the original grey brick exterior while establishing its own distinct identity.
"Set within the tight urban grain of Bethnal Green Road, the design responds to the street's ad hoc character with a confident vertical extension that enhances the building's proportions," explained project lead Lukas Barry. "The addition of three new storeys – expressed as a materially distinct but unified extension – rebalances the building's proportions and civic presence, showcasing how existing structures can be meaningfully and environmentally reinvented."
The choice of materials was deliberate and purposeful. Barry noted that "the materials were chosen for their durability, sustainability, and resonance with the building's industrial past." The galvanized steel cladding not only reflects the neighborhood's eclectic architectural character but also pays homage to the building's manufacturing heritage.
Inside, the design philosophy emphasizes openness and honesty of materials. The office interiors feature stripped-back, open-plan spaces that celebrate the building's structural elements. On the first three floors, the original concrete frame and hollow clay-pot floors remain exposed, creating an industrial aesthetic that speaks to the building's history. In the new extension, the Douglas fir timber frame and building services are left visible, creating a warm contrast to the concrete below.
The ground floor underwent significant reconfiguration to better engage with the street corner. Large windows now create a welcoming entrance sequence that improves the building's relationship with the surrounding urban context. A new staircase serves as the crucial link between the old and new sections of the building, ensuring seamless circulation throughout all levels.
One of the most striking exterior features is the ribbon glazing that wraps around the building's facades. These bands of windows have been upgraded with sliding, metal-framed units that help unify the building's appearance. The windows are slightly recessed into reveals framed by overhanging lintels, creating depth and shadow play on the facade.
The project faced unique structural challenges, including the presence of a London Underground ventilation tunnel beneath the site. However, the decision to retain the existing concrete frame proved to be both a structural and environmental strategy that successfully addressed these constraints while contributing positively to the street's character.
"The project stands as a prototype for the reuse of ordinary but inherently useful buildings," Barry emphasized. "Retaining the existing concrete frame was both a structural and environmental strategy, addressing the site's challenges – including a London Underground vent tunnel below – while contributing positively to the high street context. Natural light, ventilation, and long-term adaptability shape the spatial logic."
Carmody Groarke, founded in 2006 by Kevin Carmody and Andy Groarke, has built a reputation for thoughtful architectural interventions that balance historical preservation with contemporary needs. The firm's recent projects include the renovation of a penthouse apartment in Covent Garden and a distinctive corrugated-aluminum ticket pavilion in Hamburg.
The 469 Bethnal Green Road project represents more than just an architectural renovation; it serves as a model for sustainable urban development. By choosing adaptive reuse over demolition, the project significantly reduced its environmental impact while creating modern, flexible workspace that meets contemporary needs. The building's design prioritizes natural light and ventilation, ensuring both occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
The success of this project lies in its ability to honor the building's industrial past while creating a structure that feels entirely contemporary. The interplay between the grey brick base and the galvanized steel extension creates a visual tension that enhances rather than diminishes both elements. This approach demonstrates how architectural additions can be both respectful of existing structures and boldly contemporary.
The project's emphasis on long-term adaptability reflects current thinking about sustainable architecture. Rather than creating highly specialized spaces, the design provides flexible floor plates that can accommodate changing workplace needs over time. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the building will remain relevant and useful for decades to come.
Photography for the project was provided by Johan Dehlin and Rory Allen, capturing both the building's strong street presence and its carefully detailed interiors. The images reveal how the architects successfully balanced the rough, industrial character of the original structure with the refined detailing of the new addition.
