Basingstoke
Longstock Capital / Mactaggart Family & Partners
Fielden Clegg Bradley / Twelve Architects
Under Construction
Whitby Wood
Skelly & Couch
Grant Associates / Studio Knight Stokoe
Mountbatten House is a six-storey terraced commercial complex, originally commissioned by paper merchants Wiggins Teape. It was designed by Arup Associates’ Group 2 and constructed in 1974-76. IBM was a later occupant, and it is now Grade II Listed. Its unique concrete frame design is of particular interest, along with the spectacular landscaped terracing made possible by the sloping site.
Constructed using a combination of in situ and precast concrete, each floorplate includes a 1m deep void for building services installations — presenting design and logistical challenges for the adaptation works. We are providing quantity surveying and project management services for the building’s full refurbishment, which will result in flexible Grade A office space.
listed
Originally constructed
Deep service voids
Year of listing
Lettable space
BREEAM target
The project is a heritage-led redevelopment, focusing on the repair, refurbishment, and adaptive reuse of both the listed building and its gardens. It sets a new benchmark for retrofitting and regeneration, creating a space where both people and nature can flourish together.
Circle’s involvement began at the concept stage, bringing together a world-class project team, including renowned architects Fielden Clegg Bradley and landscape architects Grant Associates. Our role included providing quantity surveying and project management services, coordinating design and cost planning to secure approval for the building’s refurbishment and adaptation. Construction commenced in February 2022, and the building’s transformation into flexible Grade A office space was completed in October 2024.
Mountbatten House plays a pivotal role in the economic development of Hampshire, offering 152,610 sqft of Cat A and B multi-let office and amenity space. New facilities include a café, gym, shower and changing rooms, secure cycle storage, and a multi-purpose function space—all designed to meet the needs of modern tenants.
To reveal its distinctive architectural character, previous suspended ceilings and finishes were removed. The entrance and reception were redesigned and expanded, and double-height spaces were introduced to foster vertical connections between floors, enhancing openness and increasing natural light. The project honours the building’s original design while adapting it to modern needs.
The original curtain wall system was carefully refurbished to improve thermal performance and ensure longevity. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were fully upgraded to enhance operational efficiency and future-proof the building. These improvements enabled the achievement of BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and WELL Platinum certifications, setting a remarkable standard for future commercial developments, with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and occupant well-being.
The building’s unique concrete frame design and its spectacular landscaped terracing, made possible by the sloping site, presented significant challenges. Constructed using a combination of in situ and precast concrete, each floorplate includes a 1m deep void for building services installations—posing logistical and design challenges for adaptation work.
Our team’s extensive construction expertise and deep understanding of the site’s challenges allowed us to develop solutions that preserved the building’s heritage while showcasing its architectural strengths.
The roof gardens, often referred to as the “Hanging Gardens of Basingstoke,” have become an iconic feature of the town. One of the key objectives of the project was to improve access to the gardens and roof terraces, introducing new level access from all six storeys.
The listed landscape was adapted to be both climate-resilient and regenerative. A total of 22,500 new plants and 86 new trees were added, complementing the existing plant life. The revitalised gardens now contribute positively to local biodiversity, providing an inclusive, engaging space for both occupants and visitors, and creating a vibrant hub where people and nature can thrive together.
