London-based architecture firm Bureau de Change has completed a striking renovation of a 1980s apartment block in the city's Euston neighborhood, transforming it into a contemporary residential building called Trace. The project involved adding two new floors to create a six-story structure containing five residential units for developer HGG. The most distinctive feature is the pink concrete facade panels made from crushed demolition waste, representing an innovative approach to sustainable construction. This method preserved a material connection to the building's original red brick exterior while creating a fresh, modern aesthetic that enlivens the streetscape.
The design team carefully collected the existing facade material, including brick and mortar, and processed it into aggregate for the new construction. They crushed the material to a maximum thickness of six millimeters before reconstituting it into glass-reinforced concrete panels. Each panel was hand-cast individually, resulting in subtle variations in color from reddish to pale pink tones across the building's gridded exterior. Studio co-founder Billy Mavropoulos explained that retaining this material reference felt appropriate for honoring the building's history. Dark-framed arched windows punctuate each level, complemented by a matching top-floor extension.
The renovation preserved the building's original foundations and primary structural elements as part of its sustainable design approach. Two additional floors were constructed on top of the existing four-story structure, creating space for two new one-bedroom apartments. The original lower levels now house three two-bedroom units, making efficient use of the compact urban site. Each apartment receives abundant natural light from large openings on both facades, with private terraces available on the top floor for residents to enjoy city views.
Inside, Bureau de Change collaborated with several respected London-based design studios to create bespoke interior environments. Jan Hendzel Studio, Sedilia, and A Rum Fellow contributed custom furniture and finishes that complement the building's material palette and architectural character. The shared entrance features an arched form with a concrete-clad frame, echoing the window design at ground level. A central circulation core provides access to all units, optimizing the building's compact footprint while maintaining privacy for each residence.
The Trace project exemplifies a growing trend toward sustainable retrofitting in London's dense urban environment. By reusing demolition waste as a primary material, Bureau de Change significantly reduced the project's carbon footprint compared to demolishing and building anew. The hand-cast panels demonstrate how recycled materials can achieve aesthetic sophistication while telling a story about the building's past and transformation. This approach aligns with broader efforts across the United Kingdom to reduce construction waste and preserve embodied energy in existing structures.
Bureau de Change has established a reputation for innovative residential projects throughout London, including a recent yellow-brick extension to a Victorian house in Fulham. The Trace apartment block demonstrates how 1980s structures can be successfully adapted for contemporary living while maintaining strict environmental responsibility. Architectural photographer Gilbert McCarragher documented the project, highlighting its visual impact and material qualities. As cities worldwide grapple with housing shortages and climate concerns, such thoughtful retrofit projects offer a viable, sustainable path forward for urban development.
