ORMS slots aluminum-clad office + residence into a victorian alleyway in london

british architecture practice ORMS has created a mixed-use destination at 81 chancery lane in london. the 50,000 square foot project contains high-end offices, apartments, retail space, and an attractive new arcade.

the architects placed five floors of contemporary office space and residential units behind a restored victorian facade. the new public passage way between 83 and 84 chancery lane — which once formed an open alleyway — creates a new public intervention. existing bridges linking the two lanes were removed and replaced with a stepped glass and metal infill.

the new facade, constructed from faceted aluminum panels, changes appearance according to the movement of the sun throughout the day. with its jewel-like quality, the building creates a contrast with the neighboring victorian buildings.

at ground level, full height glazed shop fronts create an engaging street frontage, while the new passageway links the project to the nearby bishops court. the new retail space, delivered in two larger units and three smaller boutiques, has been designed to attract high-end retailers to chancery lane. ‘chancery lane has long been home to a warren of alleyways, lanes and courtyards and we’re deeply proud that this sensitive transformation has positively reinstated chichester rents and connected it to bishops court‘, write the architects.