Coal House

Transforming a dated office building into a distinct, low carbon workspace

Coal House presented a collaborative opportunity to turn a tired office into a distinct workspace that meets the highest benchmarks for energy efficiency, environmental impact, and occupant wellbeing. Now one of the most sustainable office buildings in Wales, Coal House helps ESG-conscious businesses thrive in a space that aligns with their values.

Defining the project scope

Acting as brief consultants and concept architects, we worked closely with the client, Create Real Estate, to deliver their aspirations for a highly marketable workplace that stands out in a competitive commercial market. 

With one half of the building still occupied, we considered various intervention levels to improve the building’s appearance, amenities, and environmental performance, without disrupting the existing tenants. As a result, the most substantial internal works occurred in the vacant parts of the building, paired with external improvements across the entire structure.

Enhancing Coal House’s commercial appeal

Working with the project’s brand and interior design team, Run for the Hills, we introduced a bold new identity for the building. Black exterior paint creates a dramatic statement on a prominent route through the city centre, adorned with the distinct Coal House branding in a nod to Cardiff’s industrial heritage.

Internally, the once stale, corporate atmosphere is transformed into a boutique, hotel-style environment. A remodelled entrance and atrium welcome visitors to the space, complete with luxury end of journey facilities, a coffee bar, lounge areas, event spaces, and both formal and informal meeting rooms. With generous event programming hosted by the Coal House team, tenants can easily network with like-minded businesses—including fellow occupiers.

Commitment to sustainability

Collaborating with Create through various environmental strategies and accreditations was critical to the project’s success. We emphasised the benefits of refurbishment over constructing new, driven by the reduced carbon footprint associated with reusing the groundwork and structural frame. The building is now 100% powered by renewable energy, and benefits from new mechanical and electrical services, LED lighting, EV charging stations, fabric upgrades, and biophilic design principles.

Coal House proves how a clear vision can give dated office buildings a new lease of life, achieving lofty ESG aspirations and a distinct identity to attract the next generation of occupiers.

Images © Create Real Estate