Argyll – 16 Old Queen Street
Sustaining Heritage And Optimising For Hybrid Performance
Spec
- Size: 12k sqft
- Type: Workplace
- Timeline: 5 Months
- Services: Cost Consultancy, Project Management
- Sector: Heritage, Serviced Office
- Location: London (St James')
Brief
Argyll, a premium flexible workspace provider, appointed Aura Consulting to lead the Cat B refurbishment of 16 Old Queen Street, a prestigious 17th-century townhouse overlooking St James’s Park.
This 12,000 sqft project was delivered as part of a simultaneous seven-building portfolio rollout totalling 120,000 sqft.
The objective was to transform a historic family home into a “smart office” that mirrors the building’s heritage through a palette of natural woods, marbles, and antique furnishings, while providing the high-spec infrastructure required for modern professional services.
Challenges
Heritage Performance Gap – Elevating a 17th-century, Grade II listed building from an EPC ‘D’ to a ‘B’ within a Birdcage Walk Conservation Area required surgical precision. Aura integrated high-efficiency LED lighting with motion sensors and overhauled the heating and cooling systems without disturbing the building’s period features.
Complex Live Environment – The project was completed in full occupation over a five-month window. Aura managed the works through a phased delivery, ensuring that the installation of 29 private suites and tech-heavy meeting rooms did not disrupt the premium service experience Argyll’s members expect.
Design Symmetry – The brief required a delicate balance between old and new. We ensured that contemporary elements – like the fluted reception desk – mirrored the original 17th-century columns and fireplaces to create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic.
Highlights
Future-Proofed Hybrid Facilities – The renovation introduced specialized hybrid-working zones, including sound-proofed video conferencing booths, dedicated Zoom rooms, and hot-desking areas.
Environmental Excellence – Achieving a ‘B’ EPC rating in a heritage townhouse of this age significantly enhances the asset’s sustainability and commercial value.
Enhanced Member Experience – From the marble-clad communal kitchen to the luxury shower rooms with fluted vanity units, every touchpoint reflects a “suave” and contemporary luxury that respects the building’s historic soul.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
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