Bradbury Works / Y/N Studio

Architects: Y/N Studio
Interior Design: Y/N Studio
Area: 1,578 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: French + Tye
Main Contractor: Vortex Interiors
Project Management: Helios Project Management
Structural Engineer: Engenuiti
M&E Consultant: Thornley and Lumb
Quantity Surveyor: Beacon Project Services
Planning Consultant: JMS Planning and Development
Collaborating Architect: HawkinsBrown – initial stages only
Heritage Consultant: KM Heritage
Additional Funding: Greater London Authority (under The Local Enterprise Partnership for London), Unity Trust Bank, Hackney Council
Location: Dalston, London
Country: United Kingdom

Bradbury Works, designed by Y/N Studio in Dalston, London, reopened in 2022 after a comprehensive renovation and expansion. The project introduced new flexible workspaces and retail pods while preserving the building’s historic Victorian structure. A polycarbonate façade wraps the upper levels, blending contemporary design with the original architecture, and enhancing the building’s role as a community hub in Gillett Square.

Bradbury Works in Gillett Square has reopened to accommodate new and returning tenants following a substantial refurbishment. The project, undertaken by Y/N Studio, involved the renovation of 600 m² of affordable workspace, the replacement of ten mini retail units, and the addition of nearly 500 m² of new workspace through a two-story extension. This development represents the latest phase in the ongoing evolution of one of London’s most distinctive and community-centric public spaces.

The design strategically retains key elements of the existing building, enhancing them with additional flexible spaces to meet the needs of diverse businesses. Facing Gillett Square, the project features new 10 m² retail pods with fully openable glazed fronts, secured by profiled metal gates. These gates offer privacy and security when closed and allow vibrant tenant signage to be displayed when open.

The original Victorian terrace’s masonry structure has been carefully preserved and refurbished. This renovation provides small and medium-sized workspaces ranging from 10 to 36 m² while retaining the shops, bars, and restaurants facing Bradbury Street. A double-height external terrace between the new retail pods and third-floor workspaces offers a covered, communal space for tenants. This area, designed with picnic tables, evergreen ferns, and climbing plants, encourages interaction and community use throughout the year.

On the third floor, new accommodations include workspaces between 40 and 65 m², featuring private mezzanine levels. The pitched roof design minimizes the overshadowing of the square, ensuring that the extension is largely hidden from Bradbury Street, a conservation area. A south-facing access deck behind the existing brick parapet allows for natural cross-ventilation and offers panoramic views of London. A large, flexible meeting and event space is also available for tenants and the wider community.

Access to the refurbished building is provided via the original entrance, which has been enhanced with a fully glazed entryway. Y/N Studio designed new branding and wayfinding signage to improve navigation throughout the building. The existing stairwell and entrance have been repainted using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black), reflecting the ‘CMYK’ printing color range. This color scheme symbolizes the building’s ambition to become a melting pot of cultures and disciplines.

The interior design follows a simple color palette with muted gray flooring and white-painted walls, allowing tenants to personalize their spaces. The building’s upper levels are wrapped in a polycarbonate façade with a profiled mill-finished aluminum base and roof. This lightweight and reflective façade creates a unified appearance while allowing the original terrace and white-painted brickwork to remain visible from the exterior. The façade not only lets ample natural light into the workspaces but also reflects the changing colors of the sky during the day, glowing at night to showcase the internal activities within.