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Bersey-Warehouse-Full-Building-scaled
Bersey-Warehouse-Exterior-Doors-scaled
Bersey-Warehouse-Full-Building-Angle-scaled
Overview
The Bersey Warehouse project involved the contemporary refurbishment and extension of a historic 1920s textile warehouse located within the South Shoreditch Conservation Area in London. The goal of the development was to transform an ageing industrial building into a modern mixed-use destination combining office space, retail units, and restaurant facilities while preserving the character of the surrounding conservation district.
The project required careful architectural and façade integration to balance modern functionality with the visual identity of the original building. Structura UK Ltd was appointed to fabricate and install a range of façade and glazing systems as part of the refurbishment works, including curtain walling, aluminium door systems, and a lantern skylight installation.
Through the combination of contemporary glazing systems and carefully considered material finishes, the project successfully revitalised a previously underutilised building while maintaining sensitivity to its urban context.
Details
Location:
Old Street, Shoreditch, London
Architect:
Buckley Gray Yeoman
Main Contractor:
Collins Construction Ltd
Project Metrics
The Bersey Warehouse refurbishment included several structural and architectural improvements that significantly enhanced the building’s usability and appearance. These improvements enabled the building to transition from an outdated warehouse structure into a modern mixed-use development suitable for office, retail, and hospitality use. Key project parameters included:
Original Structure
- 3-storey 1920s textile warehouse
Structural Expansion
- Addition of 2 new storeys
- Construction of 1 new basement level
Façade Systems Installed
- Aluprof curtain wall systems (ground floor and fourth floor)
- Schuco double terrace doors
- Comar automatic entrance doors
- Schuco service doors
Daylight Improvements
- Lonsdale lantern skylight installation for interior meeting room illumination
The Challenge
Refurbishing historic industrial buildings for modern commercial use presents several architectural and engineering challenges. In the case of The Bersey Warehouse, the project required not only the modernisation of the building envelope but also structural expansion and interior reconfiguration.
Converting an Industrial Warehouse for Mixed-Use Development
Originally constructed as a textile warehouse in the 1920s, the building was designed for storage and industrial operations rather than modern office and retail occupancy. The redevelopment required a full conversion of the structure to accommodate commercial office space, retail units, restaurant facilities, and public-facing entrance areas. This transformation required the building envelope to be upgraded with modern façade systems capable of meeting current performance expectations while maintaining the building’s architectural character.
Adding New Storeys to an Existing Structure
One of the most significant challenges of the project was the addition of two new storeys above the existing three-storey warehouse. This vertical expansion required careful integration between the original structure and the new architectural elements. The new fourth-floor terrace and façade elements needed to be designed to blend visually with the building while also delivering modern performance standards in terms of weather resistance, durability, and accessibility. In addition to the vertical extension, a new basement level was introduced to increase usable floor area and improve functionality within the building.
Working Within a Conservation Area
Although The Bersey Warehouse itself is not a listed building, it sits within the South Shoreditch Conservation Area, which places restrictions on how building alterations can be carried out. Developments in conservation areas must ensure that new materials and façade systems respect the surrounding architectural environment. The refurbishment therefore required careful design coordination to achieve a contemporary appearance without disrupting the character of the neighbourhood. Material choices, façade proportions, and external finishes all needed to be considered carefully during the design and installation process.
Introducing Natural Light to Interior Spaces
As is common with historic warehouse buildings, the internal layout originally provided limited daylight penetration. Modern office and commercial environments require well-lit interiors to improve usability and occupant comfort. The refurbishment therefore required the introduction of glazing systems capable of increasing daylight access while maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
Structura’s Solution
Structura UK Ltd provided specialist façade fabrication and installation services for several key elements of the building envelope. These systems were designed to modernise the appearance of the building while delivering reliable long-term performance.
Curtain Wall Installation
One of the primary façade components delivered by Structura was the installation of Aluprof curtain walling systems on the ground floor and the newly constructed fourth-floor façades. Curtain wall systems play an important role in contemporary building design, providing large glazed areas that maximise daylight penetration while creating a clean architectural appearance.
The Aluprof curtain wall system was selected for its ability to deliver strong structural performance, durable aluminium framing, weather resistance suitable for commercial buildings, and a modern visual aesthetic compatible with the refurbishment design. By installing curtain wall glazing on the ground and upper levels, the project introduced greater transparency and visual openness to the building while improving the overall façade composition.
Skylight Installation for Daylight
To address the challenge of bringing natural light into internal spaces, Structura also installed a Lonsdale lantern skylight within the building. The lantern skylight was positioned above an internal meeting room to allow natural daylight to penetrate deeper into the building’s interior. Skylight systems are particularly valuable in converted warehouse spaces, where traditional window openings may not provide sufficient illumination. By incorporating the skylight, the project improved interior comfort while reducing reliance on artificial lighting during daytime hours.
Door Systems for Commercial Access
In addition to the curtain wall installation, Structura fabricated and installed several specialised door systems throughout the building to support the new mixed-use functionality. These included:
Schuco Double Doors
Installed onto the newly created fourth-floor terrace, these doors provide direct access between the interior office space and the external terrace area. Schuco systems are widely used in commercial architecture due to their durability, precise engineering, and compatibility with modern façade systems.
Comar Automatic Entrance Doors
Automatic doors were installed at the main entrance to provide accessible access for visitors, employees, and customers entering the building. Automatic systems improve accessibility while ensuring smooth pedestrian flow for high-traffic environments such as retail and hospitality spaces.
Schuco Single Doors
Additional single door systems were installed for service areas, including the building’s bin storage and bicycle storage facilities. These doors provide practical access points while maintaining consistency with the building’s aluminium façade systems.
Project Results
The refurbishment of The Bersey Warehouse successfully transformed a previously outdated industrial building into a vibrant mixed-use development suited to modern commercial activity.
A Contemporary Building Within a Historic Setting
One of the most significant achievements of the project was the creation of a modern architectural aesthetic that remains sensitive to the surrounding conservation area. The building’s external finish combines a distinctive palette of materials, including green powder-coated aluminium framing, brass cladding, and copper panels. These materials create a visually striking façade while still respecting the character of the surrounding Shoreditch streetscape.
Preserving Industrial Character
While the exterior of the building has been modernised, the refurbishment retained important elements of the warehouse’s original character. Inside the building, exposed concrete surfaces and original brickwork have been preserved to maintain the industrial identity of the space. These elements create a strong visual contrast with the contemporary glazing systems installed throughout the building. The combination of historic materials and modern façade elements results in a building that reflects both its heritage and its future.
Improved Functionality for Modern Occupants
The structural expansion and façade upgrades have significantly improved the functionality of the building. The addition of two new storeys and a basement level has increased the total usable space within the development, allowing the building to accommodate a variety of commercial tenants. The inclusion of terrace access, improved entrance systems, and enhanced daylighting contributes to a more attractive and usable environment for office workers, retailers, and visitors.
Enhanced Building Appearance
Prior to refurbishment, The Bersey Warehouse was considered a tired building that no longer reflected the dynamic character of the Shoreditch area. The completed project delivers a refreshed architectural presence that aligns with the creative and commercial energy of the neighbourhood. Through the installation of modern curtain wall systems, contemporary aluminium doors, and carefully chosen material finishes, the building now presents a distinctive and updated identity within the conservation area.