🟩 GreenBricks Building of the Week 🟩 Old Sessions House

Georgian green

Originally Middlesex Sessions House – constructed in 1779 – it was once the biggest, busiest courthouse in England. During its heyday it earned a reputation for harsh sentencing: in one year, 200 convicts transported to Australia. Today, it is restored to splendour – the creative concept centred on “natural decay, contemporary classic and cosy”.

📍Location

Clerkenwell, EC1

🏢Building Details

• 35,000 sq ft., Knotel ‘workclub’

• Sympathetic redevelopment of Grade II* Listed Building

• On site events include 2017 Burberry fashion show + Dezeen awards 2019

👷🏾‍♀️Developer

• Ted Grebelius – Owner @ Sätila Studios

• Oliver Grebelius – Owner @ Sätila Studios

✍️Architects & Engineers

• Philip Taylor – Partner @ Feilden+Mawson

• Robert Todd – Partner @ Feilden+Mawson

• Erin Davidson – Partner @ Feilden+Mawson

• Mike Furness – Director @ Furness Partnership

• Dean Connell – Creative Director @ Knotel

🌱Sustainability

• Many historic building features preserved + reinstated: patina of aged stone + plasterwork, original pine floors, lime-washed brick arches, historic fireplaces and railings

• 30% of furniture choices are refurbished, reused + vintage – another 40% is bespoke objects make to last from quality natural materials

• Sustainable acoustic solution: features BAUX Acoustic Screens made from recycled PET bottles

• Upgraded all electrical and mechanical services + addition of new comfort cooling plant

🥦 Wellbeing

• Grand entrance experience: 20m-tall dome modelled on the Pantheon in Rome – filled with light, subtle planting, cosy furniture

• South-facing private roof terrace with swimming pool + large Georgian sunbeds: panoramic London views = perfect event space

• Workclub model allows people to select from flexible memberships that provide access to desk space, meeting rooms, F&B amenities + in-house events

• Top level hosts Sessions Arts Club: original fixture in the old Judges’ dining room – transformed into laid-back restaurant with eclectic mix of European cuisine + extensive wine list

🎈Bonus feature

The vast, 18th century glass atrium was also painstakingly restored. Having survived the Blitz and subsequent addition of a second courtroom (which literally bisects the glass panelling) – it’s thought to be one of the largest surviving examples of its kind in England.

🔗 Check it out

https://www.satilastudios.com/old-sessions-house/