Merrion House, Leeds

Sustainable refurbishment combining design excellence and energy performance

WICONA's WICTEC curtain walling was used to create a bespoke facade for the refurbishment of Merrion House in Leeds. WICTEC was specified for its slim face width and strength to carry brick slip feature beams with steel frame reinforcements.

Located in Leeds city centre, the £42 million refurbishment of the 1970's office building was part of the Leeds City Council's 'Change in the Workplace' strategy, designed to unite staff from different buildings under one roof to create a better work environment, whilst also reducing rent costs. This refurbishment also included the creation of an additional 15,500 m² of office space in an annex building which is linked to a new community hub - including retail space on the ground floor - via an atrium.

Developed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for sustainability, the architectural practice BDP designed the remodelled building with a material palette that reflected the conservation areas and buildings that are within close proximity of the project. Crucially the innovative design was recognised and awarded by RIBA Yorkshire, scooping the RIBA Yorkshire Award 2019 and the RIBA Yorkshire Sustainability Award 2019.

WICONA systems used

Façades WICTEC 50

Façades WICTEC 60 NG