Angel Building, London

Internally, much of the existing reinforced concrete frame has been retained. This means that the overall embodied energy of the building is substantially less than if it had been demolished and a new structural frame built. It also costs considerably less.

New extensions provide a new external facade and form a large atrium. The exposed concrete mass of the structure is used for passive cooling in conjunction with a displacement ventilation system. Throughout the building the exposed concrete is of a very high quality finish and the mix contains a 40 per cent fly ash replacement, which adds to the building’s sustainability credentials.

The retained concrete frame is wrapped with a highly-efficient glazed skin. The bespoke curtain walling works together with the exposed thermal mass of the concrete to passively control the internal environment and has contributed to the buildings ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating.

The project is also award-winning, with the accolades including: CIBSE Building Performance Awards: Refurbishment Project Award 2012, British Council of Offices Award: Refurbished & Recycled Workspace 2011, RIBA Award for Architecture 2011 and shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize 2011.

Following completion of the Angel Building, The Concrete Centre worked with architects at AHMM on films which illustrate how the aesthtics were achieved. View these films below.