The site connects Frederick’s Place to Ironmonger Lane, via an all-new route provided by its street-level public arcade; retaining the intimate scale of the lane, while granting access to new retail spaces.

The detailed façade chosen for Ironmonger Lane’s elevation has a gentle curve following the existing street layout, creating a sculptural form when viewed from the Lane, complete with a vertical rhythm of punched windows and deep reveals.

The upper floors set back to mediate between the imposing scale of the neighbouring Becket House and the smaller stance of the adjacent 1910 Dauntsey House.

On the northern edge of the site, where the Whittington Building turns onto St Olave’s Court, its handmade red brick façade can be viewed, in keeping with the historically significant landscape.

The bricks, Ibstock’s Swanage Bespoke Blend, were a fitting choice for The Whittington Building, given the nature of the project. Offering a beautifully textured and timeless look, the handmade bricks lend a genuine prestige to the build. The appeal being that no two are ever the same, ideal for heritage projects. The selection helping to perfect the desired traditional aesthetic, in keeping with the character of the esteemed location. The project also uses Ibstock and Leviat’s innovative NEXUS XI too – a mechanically fixed suspended brickwork soffit & lintel solution.

Energy efficiency and durability were also a key consideration in the development of this BREEAM Excellent-rated building, with reductions in embodied carbon successfully achieved. For example, by minimising the use of steel frames and increasing the use of brick and lignite blocks in the external walls.

Handmade, the Swanage Bespoke option, also forgoes the use of machinery and is created in Ibstock’s Swanage Facility, which has recently received an investment of more than £150,000 to enhance its production capacities, and to ensure energy-efficiency and the sustainable development of its bricks.