Africa House, London

Africa House has been transformed from a tired, outdated secondary office location to a state of the art high specification prestigious office building

Date

2013

Client

Daejan Investments

Value

£23m

Africa House is located at the northern end of Kingsway, in the area between the West End and the City, known as Mid Town. Erected in 1921 and occupying almost the whole of an island site the building is Grade II Listed and is one of the most significant buildings in the Kingsway Conservation Area.

Africa House has been extended, remodelled and comprehensively refurbished, behind its existing façades to provide a full Grade A specification building with efficient open plan office accommodation. This landmark building has now been brought up to date, with flexible user-friendly accommodation, an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating and 30,000ft² of additional lettable space.

The spectacular double-height reception retains many of its original marble features, complemented by new contemporary finishes. The centrepiece of the buildings re-creation is a dramatic full-height atrium that contains four new lifts and brings life and light into every floor.

The project was completed in 2013.

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The Challenge

As times and working practices changed over the years, Africa House no longer satisfied the requirements for modern offices. The building became inefficient, outdated and did not appeal to the profile of tenant that would be expected in this prestigious location and landmark building.

The Solution

jmarchitects obtained Listed Building consent and Planning permission for a new two-story high roof extension, the demolition of the random buildings to the rear, and the creation of a contemporary sloped glass façade that enables all floors to complete the ideal “doughnut” shape preferred by most office users.

The Outcome

While externally retaining its period characteristics, the building has been transformed within to provide a new full-height atrium with scenic glass wall climbing lifts. The floors have been completely reconfigured around this atrium providing light, impressive office space.