BBC Elstree
BBC Elstree
A new home for eastenders: celebrating industrial history in a high performance workspace.
Client
BBC
Architect
Main Contractor
Location
London & Southern
Technical Design Support
FDA
Sector
Commercial
The BBC sought to transform a 1970s, three-story warehouse on their Elstree campus, known as the “scenery block,” into a modern, comfortable working environment. The architecture firm AWW developed the concept design proposals for this ambitious “back to frame” retrofit. A critical aspect of the BBC’s brief, and perhaps the most challenging, was to retain the unique industrial identity of the original building while simultaneously upgrading it to meet the BBC’s stringent technical specifications for their workplace and technical spaces. The goal was to create a new headquarters for their Eastenders production that honored the building’s past.
'Back to frame retrofit'
— Project Architect, Arcadis
- BBC Elstree
Komfort’s Solution
Meeting the BBC’s challenging brief required a high-performance solution that could bridge the gap between historical aesthetics and modern functionality. Komfort’s Polar 100 double glazed and Polar 54 single glazed systems proved essential in achieving this balance. These systems not only met the BBC’s strict performance requirements but also allowed for the incorporation of applied bars. These bars provided a visual nod to the building’s industrial heritage without compromising the performance of the newly created spaces. This approach was key to integrating the old with the new seamlessly.
§02 — Specification
Komfort Systems
Three Komfort systems, calibrated to a single architectural language: gold steel, acoustic glass, and integrity ratings that disappear into the building.
01
DEF—EI30
Polar 100 Single Glazed
with Applied Bars
Single-glazed steel-framed screens dividing teaching wings from circulation. Slim sightlines, high-spec gold RAL.
02
DEF—EI60
Polar 54 Single Glazed
with Applied Bars
03
POL—100
Timber Doors
Double-glazed, 100mm cavity
Numbers, held quietly behind the glass.
BBC Elstree
′
Month construction programme
delivered at speed
s
Warehouse
old building, new design
New dressing rooms
eastenders new home
Storey high
central london
The End Result
Thanks to the collaborative technical delivery approach, which included FDA’s input, the client’s vision was fully realised, and all technical requirements were successfully met. The BBC now boasts a new headquarters for their Eastenders production that offers a comfortable, high-performance working environment while distinctly celebrating the building’s original industrial qualities.
- Next Project —
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