The Department Store Studios

by Squire & Partners

Client Squire & Partners

Award RIBA London Award 2024

The Department Store Studios is a new, four-storey workspace building in Brixton, designed to house growing and startup businesses in flexible, affordable studios with shared social facilities and a café.

The project is a rare example of the architect acting not only as client/developer, but also as the contractor, through a Management Contract. Adjacent to the architects’ headquarters in their award-winning transformation of a former department store built in 1906, it has enabled them to further their commitment to their locality. It sits in a highly urban context, taking design cues from its Edwardian neighbour, but using a contemporary idiom. What stands out is its offer to the community, its generous and well-detailed interiors, and its intelligent response to its parent building that is respectful without feeling subservient or relying on pastiche.

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal.

Contractor Squire & Partners

Structural Engineer Elliott Wood

Environmental / M&E Engineer DSA Engineering

Quantity Surveyor / Cost Consultant Core 5

Gross internal area in m² 2349