82 Baker Street

Lazari Investments Ltd wished to create a new headquarters building for marketing specialists Publicis at 82, Baker Street in central London. Marks Barfield Architects were commissioned for a refurbishment that would create 72,000 sq feet of prime office space with open plan areas, a new atrium, an interconnecting glass stair and a biodiverse roof and roof terrace.

The original seven-storey structure was built in 1904 as the London headquarters of Marks & Spencer and a key aspect of the project was to re-establish the grandeur of the original design. An essential component of this approach was for the windows on all elevations to be replaced and upgraded with new steel fenestration that would retain the character of the facades while improving thermal efficiency.

Crittall Windows was chosen for this project over other window suppliers including a Chinese company for our history, authenticity, locality and performance. Architect Yevgeniy Beylkin visited our factory in Essex and was inspired by the level of craftsmanship that goes into making the steel frames. He was also impressed with how were able to adapt to current thermal and acoustic performance standards whilst maintaining the original slender profiles.

All the original Crittall windows at 82, Baker Street were replaced with new double glazed thermally and acoustically enhanced Crittall windows of the same profiles. The colour of the windows and panels was carefully chosen to re-emphasise the hierarchy and verticality of the original façade, and its magnificent Portland Stone pilasters.

The history of the building enabled the architect to understand its original architectural intent, which had been eroded and forgotten through years of inappropriate decoration. As a result the external appearance of the building has been restored to its former glory, with its clear hierarchy of vertical elements and fine Portland stone detailing; and give it back its former dignity and architectural gravitas.

Crittall Corporate W20 fixed lights, vents, doors and PM cills and mullion covers were specified for the project.