4 Hardman Square

4 Hardman Square sits in the vibrant Spinningfields district of Manchester. Originally designed by Foster + Partners, the existing building consisted of double height ground floor retail units and five floors of office space above. S&P were appointed by asset managers Orchard Street to radically refurbish and significantly upgrade the whole building.

Manchester City Council were keen for all additions and alterations to be sympathetic to the status of the original architects. At the same time, the landlord required the building to be differentiated from its neighbour.

Sandwiched between retail units and an expanse of blank plant room façade, the main building entrance lacked prominence on the square. The new design creates a much-improved hierarchy, with an elegant and more prominent entrance that includes a double height green wall. The original blank façade now has a shopfront-style display of illuminated planting.

Inside, a complete reworking of the double height ground floor meant we were able to incorporate a new mezzanine with a business lounge and communal breakout facilities. Other new features include end-of-trip facilities, cycle storage, showers, changing areas and a new fitness studio with equipment and AV facilities for virtual classes.

The new sixth floor extension creates a boutique office unit and further business lounge facilities which spill out on to a generous roof terrace. With a partially enclosed element and flexible layout with movable furniture, the terrace has been planned for year-round use. Planters and green walls boost biodiversity and create an oasis at the top of the building. Generally, alongside much greater biodiversity, the project is targeting a BREEAM excellent certification and undergoing the NABERS assessment.

A palette of copper, greens, blackened metal and timber, plus green planting, combine to create a synergy throughout the building.

SUSTAINABILITY

BREAAM
Excellent
NABERS
Under Assessment
EPC
Rating A

DOCUMENTS

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PEOPLE

Chris Kelly
Director
David Crozier
Associate
Louise Hawes-Baker
Architect & Interior Designer
Chelsea Wong
Part II Architectural Assistant
Yeni Jeon
Part II Architectural Assistant

PARTNERS

Project Manager
Quartz Project Services
M&E
WSP
Planning Consultant
Avison Young
Structural Engineer
WSP
Sustainability
WSP
Quantity Surveyor
Quartz Project Services
Approved Inspector
Stroma
Fire Engineer
Bespoke Fire
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