SOAR Works

artists’ studios, workshops, workspaces for start-up enterprises and community organisations along with meeting and conferencing spaces

The brief for SOAR Works was to provide a cost-effective flagship building of workspaces intended for a variety of existing and new businesses from within and around Parson Cross, and comprising new-build offices, workshops, business incubator and drop-in workspaces, artists’ studios and meeting rooms, along with support services and community facilities. Part of the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative, the project encourages a new culture of entrepreneurialism by nurturing new and exciting businesses and pathways into employment.

00 were appointed through a competition in early 2008, and worked closely with the client and their workspace advisers to iterate the design in line with the emerging business plan. Flexibility was required throughout the design process, as the tenant types were uncertain. As a result, the wings of the building are highly efficient and adaptable with no load bearing walls, and services designed to allow adaptations to the unit sizes.

SOAR Works revitalised and improved the long term social and economic prospects of the local community by supporting and furthering enterprise and arts.

Parson Cross, Sheffield
Sheffield City Council
October 2011
£1200/m2

EPC Rating: A
BREEAM: Excellent

Awards: RIBA National Award, RIBA Regional Award, RIBA Yorkshire Building of the Year, RIBA Sustainability Award 2013. Civic Trust Community Award.

Soar Works on Architecture Today
Architects Journal - A Steal in Steel City
SOAR Works on Galvanizer's Association
SOAR Works in e-architect
SOAR Works on Archello

A fundamental design component was encouraging interaction and cross fertilisation of its users and their businesses; the well-utilised atrium is the heart of the building offering something for tenants, visitors and local residents whilst connecting the centre of the building with a landscaped courtyard. The atrium was not part of the original brief but was felt to be a strategic design for increasing opportunities for tenants to socialise; other opportunities for informal contact are provided through the animation of circulation spaces with communal brew-points, break-out spaces overlooking the atrium and in the single central internal stair and external stairs incorporating balconies.

Protecting the amenity of the surrounding residents was a driving factor is the building design. The building sits in the centre of the site, orientated away from adjacent houses, and placing low intensity uses on the residential sides of the site. The building height was reduced at its sides and windows that would directly overlook private gardens were avoided. A landscape buffer of trees and living willow fence softens the boundary.