Mowat & Company has revitalised a 20th-century furniture factory on the Benyon Estate, transforming it into low-carbon, adaptable studios that now boast full occupancy and enhanced community integration amidst London’s evolving urban landscape.
Mowat & Company has completed an extensive transformation of a historic four-storey former furniture factory located on the Benyon Estate in De Beauvoir, Hackney. Originally constructed in the early 20th century for the Herbert E. Gibbs furniture company, the building has been sensitively adapted into mixed-use creative studios designed to accommodate a diverse community of contemporary businesses. The project, commissioned by the Benyon Estate, was motivated by the need to address significant long-term disrepair, including a leaking roof, broken windows, poor quality past alterations, and a lack of disabled access.
The architectural practice approached the refurbishment with a focus on conservation, sustainability, and integration within the wider creative co-working ecosystem that the Benyon Estate fosters. Drawing on original archive drawings from the late 1920s, Mowat & Company, assisted by Structure Workshop, retained the building’s distinctive industrial character while upgrading facilities to meet modern standards. The refurbishment preserves key historical elements such as exposed and painted brickwork, combined with oak detailing and restored timber floors, which subtly reference the building’s heritage as a timber furniture production site.
Among the principal interventions is the re-landscaping of the front courtyard and creation of an accessible entrance, which significantly improve physical access and aesthetic appeal. The introduction of a new connection to the rear shared courtyard enhances tenant interaction by linking the studios directly with an adjacent café, fostering a stronger sense of community. The front of the lower ground floor was expanded, with both front and rear lightwells introduced to enhance natural lighting for the studios. A notable architectural feature includes replacing an enclosed foyer with a new reception area and an open-sided oak staircase that improves circulation and encourages tenant interaction.
Internally, previously subdivided spaces have been opened up to create flexible studio shells now occupied by a variety of tenants, including a hairdresser, pottery studio, photography studio, and gym. This open-plan approach supports the building’s new mixed-use function while allowing tenants to tailor their spaces. The refurbishment also introduces critical energy efficiency improvements. Double-glazed Crittall-style windows and rooflights, along with upgraded insulation, have been installed to boost thermal performance. Furthermore, the building now benefits from low-carbon heating and cooling solutions, including solar panels and air source heat pumps, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability.
Since the building’s completion, occupancy rates have increased markedly from 70% to full take-up, with four key tenants returning following refurbishment. Energy costs have reportedly reduced, and the project has succeeded in integrating the building more fully into the Benyon Estate’s wider network of creative workspaces, enhancing both its operational viability and community value.
This project aligns with Mowat & Company’s broader architectural philosophy, which centres on imaginatively adapting and sustaining old spaces to accommodate future uses while respecting their historical context. Their portfolio features several similar restorations that balance conservation and contemporary needs, maintaining the character of industrial buildings as vibrant spaces for modern enterprises. Notably, their work on other parts of the De Beauvoir Road estate, such as the reception upgrade at 92-96 De Beauvoir Road with the use of natural, locally sourced materials, complements the ethos apparent in the Herbert E. Gibbs factory refurbishment.
Overall, the Benyon Estate’s investment in this low-carbon, accessible creative hub reflects a sensitive and pragmatic approach to heritage building reuse in London’s evolving urban landscape, ensuring that historic industrial architecture continues to play a dynamic role in the city’s cultural and economic fabric.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative was published on 22 September 2025, indicating high freshness. No earlier versions or republished content were found. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the provided text.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Building Design, a reputable UK-based publication focusing on architecture and design. The report is authored by Hollie Tye, a journalist with a history of reporting on architectural projects. The Benyon Estate, the client mentioned in the report, has a verifiable online presence, confirming the authenticity of the project details.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and consistent with known architectural practices. The project aligns with Mowat & Company’s portfolio, which includes similar refurbishments. The report provides specific details about the building’s transformation, including design interventions and sustainability measures, which are corroborated by the project’s official website. The language and tone are consistent with professional architectural reporting.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and sourced from a reputable publication. The project details are plausible and supported by verifiable information. No signs of disinformation or recycled content were found.