Located opposite the Central Criminal Court in the City of London, the development site extends from the historically sensitive Old Bailey to the contemporary environment of Fleet Place. 16 Old Bailey echoes this transition, with the formal presence of the retained building on Old Bailey, giving way to a sleek modern design along Bishops Court and into Fleet Place. Here a planar-glazed atrium extends the full height of the building and allows natural light to penetrate deep into the interior.

The existing Listed building, formerly called Britannia House, was built between 1912-20. However, with the exception of the part fronting onto Old Bailey, the building was of an extremely utilitarian nature and the non-listed elements been demolished to make way for new development.

Extensive new stonework and copper details have been put in place to complete the retained structure’s composition at the side and rear, where economies in the original construction had left these incomplete. The distinctive spaces within have been carefully refurbished to enhance their individual character.

In particular, the space within the mansard roof has been opened up to create an impressive double-height meeting space, while the previously solid and inhospitable ground-floor has been redesigned with stone piers and glass infill in the style of a traditional colonnade. Within this light and transparent space, a contemporary entrance hall hints at the modern offices beyond.

The main core is situated just behind the reception area and marks the transition between the enclosed spaces of the pavilion and the open-plan office areas facing Fleet Place. Externally the core is clad in opaque black glass using the same frameless curtain-wall system as the office floors. The new elevations have a strong horizontal emphasis that wraps around the Y-shaped floor plan. As the curtain wall passes the into the atrium, the horizontal theme of the exterior gives way to larger panels of glass, lightening the composition and allowing more daylight through to the lower levels.