Case studies Space House
Restoring Brutalist Grade II Architecture
When Domus was asked to contribute to the retrofit of the iconic Space House, we faced a unique and intricate challenge: to recreate, in exacting detail, the original 1960s mosaic that had adorned the staircases and terraces of the 17-storey landmark. This would not be a case of simply sourcing standard materials, but creating a tailor-made solution for Squire & Partners.
A striking example of brutalist architecture in the London Borough of Camden, Space House was originally designed in the 1960s by architects George Marsh and Richard Seifert. Featuring eight levels of workspace, a ground-floor retail space and a roof terrace, the new owners, Seaforth Land, sought to reimagine the space for contemporary commercial use, whilst still honouring the building's original design. Since opening, it has hosted a variety of creative events, from ceramic exhibitions to fashion shows during London Fashion Week.
The completed retrofit seamlessly blends sustainability with dynamic, flexible work and lifestyle areas, providing a space where collaboration and creativity thrive. Presenting an impressive 255,000 sqft of workspace and versatile event areas, the building has set a new benchmark for sustainable redevelopment, earning the accolade of being the UK's largest BREEAM 'Outstanding' listed building.
Forensic Tile Analysis
Restoring the mosaic tiles was not just a matter of aesthetics, but a requirement due to the building's Grade II listing. Recreating the expansive 500 sqm of bespoke mosaic became a project achieved through careful exploration, detailed analysis and multiple rounds of prototypes to reproduce the design with exacting detail.
The new mosaic was created to feature at the staircase to the new entrance and on the exterior roof terrace. In other areas of the building, the original mosaic was preserved through careful renovation. To capture every detail, from tile size, thickness, colour, and glaze, the team at Domus carefully analysed samples from the original mosaic's surviving sections.
Through meticulous analysis, we were able to decode its layout and tonal distribution to produce the precise volumes required. This thorough approach ensured not only accuracy but also prevented overproduction, having a positive impact on both the environment and the project budget.
To produce the tiles, Domus partnered with a specialist manufacturer based in Valencia. After designing a custom mould, several rounds of testing followed until we successfully achieved a faithful match to the original material.
Precision in Every Tile
WB Simpson & Sons undertook the intricate installation of the tiles. The vertically stacked mosaic panel was laid in a staggered bond, with each mosaic meticulously mitred to sit along the spine of the stairs. Achieving this level of refinement required careful coordination with renderers to ensure a perfectly flat substrate for immaculate installation.
A Heritage Reimagined
The newly recreated mosaic at Space House, now revived with precision and care, holds the same tone and unique glaze that once lined the stairwell. Every decision made by the Domus specification team during the design process was tailored for the building's architectural legacy, allowing Squire & Partners to realise their vision while meeting strict technical and conservational criteria.
Photos by Gareth Gardner
For bespoke heritage solutions or tailor-made tiles made at scale, please enquire with our Domus specification and technical teams.
For further information or technical advice please contact us