Brick, rhythm, and renewed identity

A bold refurbishment in the heart of Leeds reshapes a brutalist office building into a contemporary headquarters with textured brick facades and lightweight GRC solutions.

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The refurbishment of 8 St. Pauls Street reshapes a heavy brutalist building into a contemporary workplace that connects naturally with the surrounding red brick architecture of Leeds. Designed by brown + company, the new facade combines red and terracotta brick with bespoke red-ish GRC elements that add rhythm, texture, and visual depth. The refurbishment also adds two new floors and a roof terrace, expanding the building by approximately 30%.

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BB fiberbeton is producing and delivering 1,257 facade elements for the project, including bespoke GRC panels and BRiCK CLASSIC panels with real brick slips inlaid in GRC. Across 1,413 m² of unfolded GRC surface, the lightweight facade solution supports efficient installation while creating a refined and durable architectural expression, suitable for the BREEAM Excellent certified build.