Refurbishment and extension of a Victorian landmark in the heart of London’s Clerkenwell.

Conservation and refurbishment of the 40,000 sq ft Grade II-listed warehouse create a major mixed-use development. Key measures include the atrium flowing into the new extension, bringing light in, sensitive fabric improvements, thermal mass, and passive heating. Rated BREEAM ‘Excellent'.

A prime example of Victorian architecture, the 150-year-old Farmiloe Building in Clerkenwell—formerly home to lead and glass merchants George Farmiloe & Sons—is central to London’s trade heritage. Its robust warehouse floors, once the strongest in London, extend from a glazed atrium showcasing distinctive interiors with exposed wrought-iron beams, aged paintwork, panelled offices, hoists, and safes.A prime example of Victorian architecture, the 150-year-old Farmiloe Building in Clerkenwell—formerly home to lead and glass merchants George Farmiloe & Sons—is central to London’s trade heritage. Its robust warehouse floors, once the strongest in London, extend from a glazed atrium showcasing distinctive interiors with exposed wrought-iron beams, aged paintwork, panelled offices, hoists, and safes.A frequent location for film, TV, and fashion shoots, the 40,000 sq ft Grade II-listed building has been refurbished and extended into a major commercial hub near the new Farringdon Crossrail station. The project achieved a 40% reduction in carbon emissions compared to Part L standards and earned a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

Skelly & Couch enhanced the thermal fabric within listing constraints, while imaginative use of space expands the stunning atrium into the new extension bringing light deep into the building. The extension also benefits from thermal mass, including exposed slab soffits.Air ducts cast into the slab feed perimeter fan coil units for passive heating and cooling. A highly efficient environmental system has been implemented, incorporating extensive heat recovery and thermal stores with phase-change materials. Heat and coolth recovered from chillers and rooftop free cooling are stored and reused, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.

Following the refurbishment’s success, Skelly & Couch was commissioned to fit out concert ticket giant Live Nation’s new headquarters at the Farmiloe. The environmentally responsive design delivers high-spec loft-style offices with built-in flexibility to meet future operational needs.