Not your every day Architects. Meet Anomaly.
12 March 2023“We are proud of our focus on the very relevant retrofit movement, ensuring our first approach to any scheme considers the re-use, refurbishment and extension of an existing building before needless demolition. ”
1. Who are Anomaly?
We are an architecture and interior design studio based in Clerkenwell, London. We are proud of our focus on the very relevant retrofit movement, ensuring our first approach to any scheme considers the re-use, refurbishment and extension of an existing building before needless demolition. Our architects and interior designers work closely to ensure all our schemes are richly designed inside and out, most importantly though with an ego free approach towards commerciality. We made a commitment to not be a paper based practice, ensuring our ideas are aligned to both a clients brief and deliverablity from a commercial standpoint.
We're serious about what we do but being serious all the time just isn't our style. We create amazing work and we all have fun in the process. We like to build relationships as unique as our buildings so our clients are part of the journey too.
2. What attracted you to the Sunlight House transformation project?
Without a shadow of doubt this is one of the most incredible buildings we have ever looked at, both physically and for the stories it embodies. Joseph Sunlight was a pioneer and cavalier in so many ways and this building is the physical representation of what he was trying to achieve. Not only was it entirely speculative as a build, to then be the tallest building in Manchester at the time exemplifies the gutsy approach he had and more importantly the belief in what he could create. You can’t help but be swept up in some of that early 20th century romanticism and for us the ability to continue that story was such an attraction.
“You can’t help but be swept up in some of that early 20th century romanticism and for us the ability to continue that story was such an attraction. ”
3. What’s been your approach to the Architectural challenge?
The design approach for the entire scheme is hinged on a balance between curation and creation. A lot of the soul of the building has been lost over time with less successful refurbishments, but there are moments and glimmers throughout that we focused on retaining and celebrating. The new design interventions have been about creating a rich and characterful series of spaces and finishes as a nod to Sunlight’s eccentricity. The building has grandeur to it akin to some of the great historic hotels that has again underpinned some bigger design moves and certainly the quality and feel of finishes throughout – this really is a building where the aesthetics of workplace and hospitality are forged together.
4. Where have we landed and why?
The proposed design really starts a new chapter in this incredible building’s history, re-establishing it as an iconic workplace within this iconic City. The office spaces themselves are flooded with natural light from all sides, even the new hotel style bathrooms benefit from natural light overlooking the unique central atrium space. Throughout the building touches of rich materiality sit comfortably against the original building – the new grand stairs in reception for example unlock activity at the first floor and beyond, really leaning into the way people want to work and play in modern offices.
