Make

Make Architects is an architectural practice based in the United Kingdom founded by Ken Shuttleworth. They have offices in London, Birmingham, Beijing, Hong Kong and registered offices in the Middle East. The practice is currently engaged in projects worldwide ranging from high rise offices to urban masterplans, residential and office developments, civic buildings, private and social housing, education buildings and interior design. In 2012 Make was ranked 46th in The Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work For category. They were also awarded Practice of the Year - South East and London by the Architects' Journal at the AJ100 Awards.

55 Baker Street

The distinctive sculptural effect of the building’s exterior is carried through into the design of the interior

Project Specs

Location: London
Completed: 2008
Contractor: H.B.G.
Photographer: Charlotte Wood

SEE ON STREETVIEW

55 Baker Street

LONDON MAKE ARCHITECTS

Technology

Structural Silicone Unitised Facades

The typical dimensions of the units are 1800 mm wide by 3200 mm in height with a weight of approximately 300 kg each.

The difficult refurbishment of an old building structure which was divided into 4 almost independent blocks has been overcome by 3D millimetric surveys and by a
complex analysis of the expected structural movements. The structural joints have been concealed beneath aluminium flashings which allow the differential movements between the structural blocks.

Rainscreen cladding

The juxtaposition of diamond shaped aluminium sheets creates the external shield which has been internally insulated using proprietory insulated panels.

The complexity of the tetrahedron shape soars skywards. A bright contrast is produced by the sheets silver anodised finish and the texture of the existing Portland stone.

Designed by

Make Architects

55 Baker Street development shows how an existing building of the early 1950’s can be completely transformed both in its shape and character, achieving the highest levels in terms of energy efficiency.

The faceted distinctive sculptural tetrahedron effect designed by Make Architects, has been manifestly used throughout the several architectural elements of the building, thus creating a uniform identity.

The transformation of the building is dramatically expressed by the central glazed section which encloses a spectacular seven-storey atrium, accessed directly from street level and open to the public.

The distinctive sculptural effect of the building’s exterior is carried through into the design of the interior, where the straight lines and flat planes of the existing structure are contrasted with the folded planes and faceting of the new designs.