ITF HeadquaRters, SOUTHWARK

The former Hanover House is an imposing Grade II listed Victorian factory with a well-presented primary façade. Behind this grandiose exterior a feverish workforce manufactured ‘blacking’ (shoe polish) for ‘Day & Martin’ throughout the late 1800’s.

Currently the headquarters of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF House) the building has undergone a phased interior refurbishment. The works have re-instated the historic open work-floors whilst celebrating the Victorian craftsmanship of riveted ironwork, brickwork and vaulted ceilings.

The new material palette pays homage to the building’s heritage utilising a natural palette of clay plaster, timber and steel-framed glazed screens, whilst new services are restricted to run parallel with primary walls and access floors thus not detracting from the delicate overhead ironwork.