Space House

Camden, Greater London

Space House is an example of how rigorous conservation, technical innovation and contemporary use can come together to secure the future of a highly significant twentieth-century building. Designed in the 1960s by Richard Seifert and completed in 1968, the Grade II listed structure has been carefully restored and adapted, ensuring that its distinctive architectural identity is preserved while enabling it to meet the demands of modern occupation. The project demonstrates the enduring value of post-war architecture when approached with respect, intelligence and ambition.

The building’s expressive concrete structure, distinctive circular tower and rectilinear podium form a composition of exceptional character and presence. The refurbishment has been guided by a deep understanding of this architectural intent, retaining and repairing key elements of the original fabric while reinstating lost features and improving coherence. Interventions are precise and disciplined, allowing the building’s sculptural qualities and structural logic to remain legible.

Internally, the adaptation has focused on flexibility, usability and comfort. Floorplates have been reconfigured to support contemporary patterns of work while respecting the constraints and opportunities of the original structure. Improvements to circulation, daylight and internal environment enhance everyday experience, ensuring that the building functions effectively for its users without compromising its architectural integrity. The result is a workplace that feels both distinctive and adaptable.

The retention and reuse of the existing structure deliver significant embodied carbon savings, demonstrating the environmental value of conserving well-built post-war buildings. Targeted upgrades improve energy performance, thermal comfort and operational efficiency, ensuring that the building meets modern expectations while extending its lifespan. 

Universal design principles have been carefully integrated and sensitively handled within the constraints of a listed structure, enhancing accessibility and legibility, allowing a wider range of users to experience and use the building.

The wider impact of Space House lies in its demonstration of what thoughtful refurbishment can achieve. By bringing a major modernist building back into active use, the project contributes positively to the character and vitality of Camden and the wider city. It challenges assumptions about the obsolescence of post-war architecture and the sustainable reuse of listed commercial buildings.