The proposed refurbishment to Essex House will incorporate the creation of additional floor space via the infill of the existing lightwell and a rooftop extension to the forth and fifth floors. The centre third of the building will be reconstructed with an entire separate steel frame, including a new circulation riser core. The refurbishment also provides new air conditioning and electrical systems combined to suit the client’s category B fit out.
The client requires an increase to the net lettable area of the existing building to increase the occupancy capacity, realise better investment potential and create a more marketable building. The intention behind the fit out of the building is to create an environment where the client’s employees and clients ‘want to be’. Watts produced a feasibility report for the project, incorporating advice on the proposal to infill the lightwell, relocate the building core and extend the fourth and fifth floors.