0231 Bloc

Complete transformation of office building (formerly Lowry House) and adjacent former bank in Manchester City Centre.

Applying the latest thinking around wellness, productivity and work-life balance, Bloc has transformed a corporate office building into a design-led workplace oasis. Located in the heart of Manchester’s central business district, Bloc is a shining example of how good design can tempt workers back to the office following the global pandemic, and breathe new life into existing assets.

The scheme includes significant architectural interventions and structural alterations which serve to completely reinvent the existing building. Partial removal of the ground floor slab serves to open up the previously disused basement and create a triple height volume which connects previously unrealised spaces, and opens up the interior to the street scene. An indoor garden at basement level, and hanging planting visually connects the spaces and anchors various use zones within the open plan areas.

The scheme comprises serviced office suites, meeting rooms, event space, cafe, wellness suite and studio, screening room and high quality communal breakout and informal meeting areas.

A new external living wall provides oxygen and helps reduce noise levels, and Manchester’s first blue/green roof reduces the discharge of rainwater and features wildflowers to support biodiversity whilst providing an additional thermal barrier.

Client:

Bruntwood Works

Value:

£5.2m

Structural engineer:

DW Consulting Engineers

M&E Consultant:

Hilson Moran

Planning Consultant:

Paul Butler Associates