Great Suffolk Yard, is part new-build and part sensitive restoration of an eclectic assortment of 19th Century warehouse style buildings. The office provides 66,936 sq. ft. of Grade A commercial space

Great Suffolk Yard, located in Borough, is a commercial building developed by Tailored Living Solutions and designed by TDO. The 66,936 sq. ft. scheme is an eclectic mix of three historic warehouse units that have been repurposed and refurbished to preserve its character with the addition of four new buildings that surround a central courtyard, which benefit from secure cycle parking for more than 100 bicycles. The flexibility and adaptability of the site means it can be let as a single building or to multiple tenants. With WELL ‘Gold’, BREAAM ‘Excellent’ and WiredScore ‘Platinum’ certifications, it has been exceptionally planned and holistically rebuilt to support post-COVID working life.

The floorplates of the scheme are flexible and easily interchangeable and have been designed to give the feeling of openness and space, creating identifiable areas for tenants to feel comfortable in. It also offers the opportunity for companies to bubble teams into their own respective areas if required.

The architectural scheme is a permeable collection of buildings on the footprint of a city block; there are three different entrances which feature washbasins to encourage cleanliness and touchpoints throughout the scheme have been minimised. Great Suffolk Yard also features bespoke fresh-air ventilation systems and factory-style openable windows throughout, bringing in natural ventilation and light to the workspaces, helping to promote productivity.

The central courtyard, formerly a car park, is at the heart of the scheme and it is complemented by several open and green roof terraces. The courtyard provides an attractive open communal space with exterior metal walkways to the outside of the buildings offering access from all levels, which creates a sense of community for tenants. Additionally, a café facing onto the courtyard will ensure that it is a dynamic central hub which can be used for a variety of functions.

Our brief called for a building that could operate flexibly as a single large workplace, or as multiple separate lets.

Our scheme retains much of the existing site, repurposing the block as a family of buildings to preserve its eclectic character and historic patina.

Working from a palette of lasting materials including brick and timber each space has its own character, aiding orientation and identity. Meanwhile in plan the building can be linked horizontally to give maximum flexibility.

A canyon-like central yard typical of this part of Southwark creates multiple aspect spaces, a central communal courtyard linked to a cafe space, and openable windows throughout.

Outdoor roof-terraces promote interaction, wellbeing and easy access to the outside.