The Scoop

Location: London

Brick Manufacturer: Ibstock PLC

Brick Names: London White Glazed Brick, Special Shapes

Architects: Corstorphine & Wright 

Brickwork Contractors: Grafton Brickwork 

‘The Scoop’ is a unique concave office building in Southwark, London, completed in April 2024. The innovative design reuses an existing building and integrates a conical cut-out façade in white glazed bricks, creating a playful and novel response to the site’s context and neighbouring church.

Situated in the vibrant Union Street Conservation Area, the building stands as a testament to modern architecture while respecting the heritage of its surroundings, namely the adjacent Grade II listed Church of Most Precious Blood, whose circular window is now strikingly framed.

The design retains the significant southern-facing and corner return of the existing facade, blending it seamlessly with a new build extension. This detailed approach ensures a successful integration into the neighbourhood, adding to the area’s creative and artistic reputation.

Working closely with the forward-thinking, community minded building owners, ThomsonHillsBalfour Limited (THB), Corstorphine & Wright has created a truly unique building, which is captivating passers-by following its recent unveiling – particularly the white glazed brick façade which has become local talking point and a popular Instagram backdrop!

Key features of the ‘The Scoop’:

• Reuse and reconfiguration of an existing four storey office building to create prime, Cat A office space, with a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
• Side and upward extension of the building to increase the existing office space and create a roof garden with panoramic views over some of London’s most iconic landmarks.
• Striking semi-circular void cut into the south façade, creating a ’visual bridge’ that connects two divided views.
• A ground floor that aligns with the façade of the adjacent Roman Catholic church, a grade-II listed structure built in 1892 by Frederick Walters.

The design of the scooped façade has allowed the building to be extended out in front of the church through a symbiotic relationship that protects and enhances the prominence and visibility of the church whist providing a one-of-a-kind office headquarters. White glazed bricks have been meticulously laid and pinned to the structural frame to create the unique form of the façade. Internally, the offices have striking picture windows, punched into the façade, which allows natural light to flood the spaces. The resulting building is a carefully orchestrated balance, allowing its neighbours to shine, whilst also shining itself and adding to the vibrant architectural cultural variety of the area.

The white glazed bricks define this building and have contributed greatly to its success. ’The Scoop’ is now firmly embedded in the local streetscape and is a place that the local community, residents, and businesses feel proud to have in their neighbourhood.