Turnmill

Description

Located at a prominent junction in the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area, Turnmill, is a new-build office and retail development designed by Piercy & Co for Derwent London, delivering over 70,500 sq ft of high-specificatino workspace and ground level restaurants. Reaplcing a structurally compromised 19th century stable, the scheme enhances both the urban fabric and public realm with a bold yet contextually sensitive design.

The sweeping curved façade, inspired by Barbara Hepworth’s Curved Form (Delphi), responds to pedestrian movement around the site – particularly in light of the adjacent Farringdon Crossrail station. The building draws from Clerkenwell’s industrial heritage, using Petersen Kolumba bricks in three bespoke shades to create a horizontal rhythm and robust material identity. Deep chamfered window reveals, and recessed joints animate the brickwork, while custom specials and detailing articulate its distinctive form.

Internally, brickwork continues into a double-height entrance space, transitioning to a refined material palette of concrete, plaster, and brass. Curved walls and bespoke joinery echo the exterior language. The building also integrates a low-energy design strategy, including ground-source heat pumps, openable windoews, and displacement ventilation.