design news
THE DESIGNERS
RECORD-BREAKING DESIGN AND BUILD PROJECT IN THE UK
O
riginally built in the 80’s, One Portsoken Street is 233,000 sq ft of premium office space for a range of tenants; located on the edge of the City of London, the iconic brutalist building is connected to both London’s financial sector and creative industries. The UK’s largest design and build project is recently completed and now ready for occupation. Leading office design and build company, Oktra, have delivered the record-breaking project, redefining the boundaries of design and build by gutting the ninestorey building and filling what was once one of the largest atriums in Europe. The interior optimisation has led to a 20% increase in lettable space. “We’ve fused the defining characteristics of design and build with comparatively traditional delivery and management processes in order to deliver the largest project in UK design and build history,” explains Craig
004 ATB
4
Smith, Oktra’s Chief Development Officer. “The result is a redefinition of what’s possible in design and build: One Portsoken is a ground-breaking project for Oktra and for the London design and build market. It’s a great thing to be involved in.” The refurbishment includes restoration of One Portsoken’s original design elements in order to preserve the building’s history, with all modern finishes kept neutral in order to complement the design.
