This project involved the repurposing of a redundant former Fire Service Control Centre into a retail unit at ground floor, with planning consent secured for residential units above.  The design challenge was to adapt and extend the existing building to provide a suitable floorplate for the retail operator, whilst still creating a generous and welcoming access to the upper levels.

 

The response is an extension consisting of a series of simple forms stepping away from the building, enclosing distinct new elements which contain entrance and staircore; retail back of house; and bin store.  These are each expressed differently, clad in a series of materials that complement the existing building.  This mixed use development takes a redundant existing building and creates a valuable local convenience retail unit along with residential homes on a busy thoroughfare bordering Old Aberdeen