Norton Folgate: The Completion of Urban Fabric Renewal

The historic site of Norton Folgate, located at the northern edge of the City of London, has been redeveloped with new office and retail spaces, and an improved public environment to honor its history while creating vibrant and adaptable spaces.

The project, initiated by British Land, was developed by a team of architects led by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), who oversaw the masterplan and designed Blossom Yard and Studios, Nicholls & Clarke, and Loom Court. In addition to AHMM, Stanton Williams, Morris+Company, and DSDHA were involved, who designed Elder Yard and Studios, 15 Norton Folgate, and 16 Blossom Street, respectively. Finally, East was responsible for the design of public spaces.

Norton Folgate: A Tailored Design for Each Building

Norton Folgate consists of three urban blocks within the Elder Street Conservation Area, a protected zone north of Tower Bridge featuring Georgian and Victorian-style buildings with predominantly brick façades.

In response to the site's diverse character, the firms involved in the design worked together to diversify the architectural approach and style. A unique design solution was applied to each building, reaffirming the permeability and connectivity of the area.

The existing structures, including warehouses, an Arts and Crafts building, and historic wash houses, were refurbished, expanded, and modernized. For the newly constructed buildings, a material palette was selected that highlights brick for its durability, quality, and suitability to the character of the protected area.

The Design of Public Spaces

The public spaces, designed by East, began with a detailed site analysis to develop a scheme that includes a network of existing historic streets and passageways, the restoration of two courtyards, and a new public space inspired by the character of the surrounding historic blocks.

Drawing on the spatial qualities and material identity of the area, materials such as granite slabs and setts, and in-situ concrete in various sizes, textures, and formats were used to define entrances, pathways, and social spaces. Additionally, a series of plants and seating areas enhance the livability of the open spaces.

Norton Folgate is British Land’s largest all-electric retrofit project. The new buildings are BREEAM Excellent-rated, while the existing ones have achieved BREEAM Very Good certification. This success was achieved by retaining ten existing buildings on-site and utilizing ultra-high-performance concrete precast façades for Blossom Yard and Elder Yard.

The Three Buildings Designed by AHMM

Blossom Yard and Studios is the largest complex on the site, comprising 12,904 m², including a new ten-story building and a four-story warehouse, with the preserved façade of an adjacent warehouse. AHMM’s design incorporates a modern esthetic inspired by the restored historic warehouses on the site, featuring ceramic panels. The retained warehouse and façade were repaired where required, emphasizing the retention of character and weathered patina.

Nicholls & Clarke occupies a triangular plot bordered by Fleur De Lis Passage to the south and the main railway line to the north. The project combines a newly constructed office building – the tallest in Norton Folgate at 13 stories – with a warehouse built in 1887 that has been refurbished, offering 2,859 m² of workspace with views over London.

Loom Court occupies a central area in the masterplan, between the Georgian terraces of Elder Street and the Victorian warehouses of Blossom Street. The project modernized a 1970s office building located at the corner of Elder and Fleur De Lis Streets and completed the urban block along Fleur De Lis and Blossom Streets with a new six-story building containing 4,703 m² of office space. A green courtyard was created in the urban gap between the new and existing buildings, offering a shared space for those working in the complex.

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