Edge creates a contemporary, flexible and healthy workplace in a listed Grade 1 building at 22 Bedford Square, London

Working together with The Bedford Estates, Edge has transformed 22 Bedford Square, a Grade 1 Georgian townhouse and an adjoining modern four storey coach house, into a high quality mix of period and modern office space. With the completion of the project, there is now 12,600 sq feet of flexible, agile workspace with an emphasis on natural light, access to outside space and interior focused on promoting wellbeing.

Located in the Bloomsbury Conservation Area of London, one of the best preserved squares in London, it was very important to the planners at Camden Council that proposed alterations would not compromise the architectural significance and setting of the Grade 1 building. In creating an optimum contemporary working environment, Edge has been careful to ensure that any alterations would not detract from the historic fabric.

“Our design scheme has been ‘Georgian contemporary’, classically and sympathetically restoring the Georgian building with simple and contemporary insertions. We wanted to create an inspiring office environment while respecting and preserving the aspects of the buildings that are of architectural and historic significance.”

Racheal Cadey, Principal - Board Director and Founder, Edge

Edge created a new four storey link building, connecting the townhouse with the coach house. This contemporary, glazed architectural intervention complements the Georgian building in an empathetic way. The internal refurbishment of the existing grand rooms was undertaken using established conservation methods and the innovative and creative use of lighting and detail provides for an exciting blend of traditional classicism with modern bespoke interpretations.

The scheme has included extending the existing mansard roof of the 1980’s coach house to modernise the top floor, creating additional office floorspace. The design of the link maximises natural light and provides a new break out balcony space and enhanced access to the garden courtyard. Wellness features include touch free entrances, upgraded insulation and air handling, and the use of airlite paint to improve the air quality and reduce energy consumption.

It was challenging to deliver the project during lockdown and with Covid-19 restrictions, but this was done successfully. Having only been on site for three months when the first lockdown came into force, the construction team introduced new safe systems of working in place to keep the project on track for the target date.