The Parcels Building, Westminster

2024 RIBA London Award

The Parcels Building, Westminster
Grafton Architects with TP Bennett and
Piercy & Co for private client
Contract value Confidential 
GIA: 5,450m²

Facing the Grade II-listed Selfridges store on Oxford Street, the Parcels Building is a wonderful example of adaptive reuse. The architect took on the ambitious task of transforming the outdated and unfit for purpose 1957 office and retail building into a lively, sustainable hub for modern workspace and retail. Stripping back the existing building to its structural elements, a new facade and floors have been added, enhancing both energy performance and occupants’ comfort. The facade adds depth and rhythm while cleverly negotiating the contrasting scale and character of Oxford Street and Duke Street. Careful studies of the existing structural frame, foundations and circulation cores were undertaken to understand their capacity before designing the new interventions. As such, both the stone facade and rooftop extensions were meticulously justified without strengthening works to the existing columns and foundations.

The heavy stone and precast concrete facade is cleverly tied back to the existing structural frame using innovative bespoke brackets which hug existing perimeter columns. These play a pivotal role not only in supporting the new facade but also providing additional floor space on each level.

The new skin, characterised by clean lines and depth, complements the Selfridges building, signalling a seamless integration in the bustling streetscape. The stone used contains various shells and asperities, bringing texture. Additional depth has been given to the Oxford Street elevation to provide shade and respond to the building’s orientation, minimising internal overheating. The rhythm of the facade changes on Duke Street, to respond to its different scale and the secondary nature of this elevation.

Rooftop extensions in steel and cross laminated timber have been added providing further floorspace. Outdoor terraces have also been incorporated to provide amenity spaces for occupants, fostering a sense of community and wellbeing.

The client’s advocacy for the retention of the 1957 structure was key to the project. As well as now being a suitable counterpoint to the Selfridges building, the striking new Parcels Building is a feat of sustainable adaptable reuse that has breathed new life into an outdated retail and office block.

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RIBA Regional Awards 2024 sponsored by EH Smith and Autodesk