A new 6-storey extension to a Victorian wallpaper factory brings 21st century working to West London. 

This bright and light office extension for rental market leaders, Workplace creates a new co-working offer, with collaboration at its core, in the heart of West London's leafy Chiswick.

Our remit for the Barley Mow Centre was to demolish a single storey shed, built in the 1970s and replace it with a 6-storey office building, with improved and rationalised circulation throughout. 

Aimed at start-ups, tech professionals and consultant who work with city clients, Barley Mow combines open place co-working spaces and opportunities for tenants to meet, share ideas, with more intimate spaces and private booths. 

A new main entrance creates a strong and vibrant presence at street level to draw the public as well as building tenants through a bustling foyer which seamlessly incorporates a public cafe, retail space, and a bright co-working lounge. 

A range of seating options includes single tables and collaborative booths, as well as bleacher-style seating that can be used by all tenant for presentations, social events and pitches. Other features include ample cycle storage.

The original Victorian building adjacent to the new structure was once a wallpaper factory. Reference to this cultural heritage permeate the aesthetic and interior finishes of the new design, combined with more contemporary finishes such as robust black OSB panelling in heavily used areas, light birch play and polished concrete floors, giving the building a unique character. 

The project was located on a completely landlocked site, overlooked for all sides, which meant that our design has to be particularly sensitive to neighbours, local residents and planning constraints. The 4 storeys of the extension step back at each level to create a series of landscaped terraces with sedum and wildflower-planted roofs which minimise the visual impact of the building and create much-needed green space for locals