It's crystal-clear my dear Watson
HBG Construction is in the process of redeveloping 55 Baker Street, London W1 for client London and Regional Properties Ltd. The project has a total value of circa £115 million.
The former Marks and Spencer HQ building is to be transformed by extensive demolition works and re-modelling. The project will be completed by the end of 2007 and will include 61,735 square metres of office accommodation, three storey town houses, leisure and retail facilities plus covered public space.
The design by make Architects is characterised by the striking glass 'masks' and atria, one of which forms the new main entrance. The atria will rise eight storeys above ground level. The 'masks' along Baker Street will consist of diamond shaped glazed 'scales', pinned off a steel structure stiffened by cables.
Baker Street is at the very heart of London's West End. The street owes its fame to detective Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Doctor Watson, who - according to their creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - lived at 221b Baker Street from 1881 to 1904.
