London-based design studio SODA converts what was once an office block from the 70s into the Roca, which is right in Liverpool's city center. It now functions as a residential building that is joined by wellness and co-working spaces. There are 120 apartments of either one or two bedrooms along with two floors that are full of amenities for residents including a large kitchen, gym, treatment rooms, a planted roof terrace, work areas, and a cinema room.
Russell Potter, co-founding director at SODA speaks to Dezeen about the project, stating "The leaps that office design has made over the past decade or two have meant that certain period properties from the 1960s and 70s are perhaps not the most desirable from a commercial point of view. But if they occupy prime city-centre locations, they can offer amazing opportunities to adapt and re-use, to reinvigorate city centres with genuinely flexible and crafted spaces."
Converted Office Residential Buildings
SODA Converts an Office Block to Form the Roca
Trend Themes
1. Office Block Conversion - Transforming outdated office buildings into modern residential spaces creates new opportunities for adaptive reuse in prime city-centre locations.
2. Mixed-use Developments - Integrating wellness and co-working spaces with residential units fosters community living and enhances urban environments with diverse amenities.
3. Amenity-rich Living - Offering a multitude of amenities such as gyms, treatment rooms, and cinema spaces within residential buildings caters to residents' modern lifestyle needs and preferences.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate Development - The real estate industry can capitalize on repurposing office buildings into residential spaces to meet the growing demand for mixed-use properties in urban centers.
2. Architecture and Design - Architects and designers have the opportunity to innovate by creating versatile spaces that combine living, working, and leisure functions for a more holistic user experience.
3. Property Management - Property management firms can explore new ways to enhance tenant satisfaction and attract residents by offering an array of contemporary amenities and communal spaces in converted buildings.