Studio Sutton transforms a shopping arcade into communal workspace

Images: Jim Stephenson

A creative example of adaptive reuse, Studio Sutton has converted a 40-metre-long retail space in the centre of Birmingham into a communal business club, comprising meeting rooms that were former shops. Following the decline in retail activity, the building’s landlord repurposed the entrance level to suit the growing demand for flexible office space, partnering with global coworking brand, Spaces (part of IWG) to form Spaces The Mailbox.

To break the mass-area down, Studio Sutton divided the floorplan into three distinct zones using free-standing joinery pieces. “At a time of significant changes to both shopping and working patterns, the project provides an interesting case study in the change of use from retail arcade into a co-working space with a unique character and quality.” 

Hosting an entrance café and reception, the first zone is open to the public. Moving further inwards, the middle zone offers a quieter coworking and events space, while the third boasts a winter garden with visual connections to the retained retail level above. Preserving as much of the prior refurb as possible, retained finishes have been combined with a simple and warm palette of new materials to provide a homely and familiar atmosphere.

Glass partitioning divides the former shops into individual meeting rooms while also providing a viewpoint into the office ‘realm’ which showcases IWG’s flexible Open Desk concept, designed by international design collective Bs;bp. Daylight is brought deep into the floorplate thanks to the alignment of windows with smaller breakout zones and shared amenities.  

Inside the meeting rooms, coloured accent walls and curtains provide a gentle playfulness and softness to contrast the retained stone surrounds of former shop fronts. “This uniqueness is important at a time when office space has to provide more to become an inspiring and supportive proposition to convince people to choose to come into work,” continues Sutton.