Spirella Building, Letchworth
Peter Dann were commissioned by The Heritage Foundation to assist in the refurbishment of the Spirella factory into high tech quality office units. This involved installation of new lifts and general structural refurbishment of a Grade II listed building.
Due to the restricted ceiling heights careful consideration was given to passage of services around the building including electrical, comfort cooling and data links. This involved sympathetic alterations to an 80 year old concrete frame building to ensure its structural integrity.
The installation of new lift pits 2m deeper than the existing lift pit foundations entailed extensive temporary works to support the 15m high masonry shafts. Repair of the concrete frame required replacement of damaged reinforcement using advanced couplers and new reinforcement, all encased with epoxy mortar.
This reuse of existing structures and materials ensured a sustainable approach to providing modern office space.
The building was featured by the BBC on the “Restoring the Nation” programme and regularly opens its doors for ‘Open Heritage Days’.
