Nortel Networks

New Southgate

Nortel Networks have been an important client since 1980 and the practice has undertaken extensive refurbishment of buildings on the campus facility at New Southgate in north London. This project undertaken with members of Nortel Networks European Mosaic Partners was planned to add sufficient space to accommodate a further 800 people on the site to expand the capacity of the facility to 2000, considered to be the optimum size for a major Nortel hub.

The buildings were designed to provide generic space suitable for Nortel Networks rapid expansion though, when commissioned, for an undesignated group of departments. The design of the building ensured an efficient and cost effective solution in delivering all elements, while at the same time providing an environment acceptable for the modern telecommunications industry.

The new space totaling 13,935m² was provided in two buildings, each with a capacity for 400 people. The initial concept envisaged occupation of the first building with the second building finished to shell and core level but during the course of the project the fitting out of the second building was brought forward.

The two buildings are grouped round a new courtyard enclosed by an existing third building and a link between the two new buildings. Each of the two new buildings have full height atria overlooking the courtyard to create a collegiate feel allowing interaction.

The buildings which were procured on time within a 13 month program and within budget by the partnering relationship of Nortels’ consultants and contractors incorporated a significant number of changes and additions during the course of the project and resulted in savings to the client in excess of £1 million.