The Charter Building in Uxbridge, designed by dn-a architects, celebrated a landmark in its construction during June. The rejuvenated Charter Building, former headquarters of Coca Cola, has reached the topping out stage and is on target to be complete towards the end of 2016. The refurbishment will provide 224,000 sq ft (20,810 sq m) of workspace near to Uxbridge tube station.
In its original condition The Charter Building had heavy metal railings and brick piers around its perimeter, which made the building appear fortified and divorced from the rest of the public realm, even though its northern entrance is just metres from Uxbridge town centre and its tube station.
Internally the office space was dated and not fit for purpose with a huge central landscaped courtyard in the centre of the building was under-used.
dn-a have completely re-engineered the existing dated façade, by replacing it with a high performance energy conserving envelope. This has created a more contextual architectural language using contemporary materials as a primary surface to the building, moving away from the original dated ‘fully glazed box’ look, making it more sympathetic and in-keeping with the adjacent conservation area.
The interior is being completely transformed with a grand internal ‘street’ runs for more than 100m, from the north to south entrance. The changing height of this street – sometimes single-storey, sometimes three-storey and soaring to five storeys at the central atrium – is inspired by the architectural concept of serial vision.
The office space has been designed based upon simplicity, letting future tenants personalise the space for less money and time. Providing future occupiers with a clean, crisp, bright and airy canvas, making it a great neutral background for any brand to slot into.
Councillor John Hensley, a guest at the topping out ceremony on Tuesday, said: “I am very fortunate as the Mayor of Hillingdon to see the progress of the development of this construction.
“The Charter Building has clear potential for success in Uxbridge and I know this landmark will complement the vibrant heart of Uxbridge town centre.”
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