Greenhouse

Location
Beeston, Leeds
Client
Thomasons
Contract Value
c.£8m.
People

The Brief

Greenhouse is an eight-storey, mixed-use building with 172 apartments in Beeston, Leeds. Originally built in the 1930s as Shaftesbury House, it was transformed in 2010 into a pioneering sustainable development incorporating ground-source heating, solar panels, wind turbines and greywater recycling.

Following the identification of combustible materials within the external walls, BTP was appointed to provide architectural and Building Regulations Principal Designer services for the circa £8m façade remediation. The brief was to improve fire safety while retaining the building’s distinctive character, with residents remaining in their homes throughout the works.

Our Role

We worked closely with IRS Construction and the wider consultant team to develop and coordinate a safe, compliant external wall system. Our role was to manage the architectural design and Building Regulations requirements while protecting the character of this distinctive, occupied building.

The Task

Three structural systems. One complete façade transformation. It was important to safely remediate Greenhouse’s 172 homes while preserving its distinctive architectural character.

Design Development

Greenhouse combines three structural systems: original brickwork on the lower floors, concrete framing introduced during the 2010 refurbishment and lightweight steel framing at the upper levels. Each required a different approach to supporting and fixing the replacement façade.

The design brought together external wall insulation and render over the lower-level brickwork, render systems over steel framing within the courtyard, and Rockclad rainscreen panels on the upper floors. Differently coloured panels preserved the visual character of the 2010 design, while careful detailing created a coherent finish across the three systems.

The works replaced combustible insulation, render-system components, rainscreen panels, glazed spandrels and timber cladding with non-combustible alternatives. Existing fire barriers were also assessed to identify where replacement was needed.

Delivering this work around 172 occupied apartments required close coordination of construction sequencing, access and resident communication. The design needed to accommodate the building’s differing structural conditions while supporting safe, practical installation.

Effective Collaboration

Re-engineered structural solution

When intrusive surveys revealed that the existing upper-level steel framing could not support the new façade, BTP worked with Thomasons, Verteks and IRS Construction to develop a revised structural solution. We coordinated the architectural design with the engineering changes, helping maintain progress while preserving Greenhouse’s distinctive appearance.

Outcomes

The completed façade retains Greenhouse’s recognisable colours, proportions and courtyard treatment while meeting the project’s Building Regulations and EWS1 requirements.

The scheme demonstrates how different façade systems can be integrated into a consistent architectural finish, preserving the identity of an established building while addressing significant fire-safety issues. The works reached practical completion with zero defects reported at handover, and residents remained in occupation throughout.

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Director
Elliot Denby

BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

Director
Elliot Denby

BA(Hons), M.Arch, RIBA, ARB

I qualified as an Architect in 2017 joining BTP the same year, was promoted to Associate in 2019 and became a Director in 2023.

Since joining BTP, I’ve led projects from concept through to completion, ranging from large-scale housing developments to refurbishment and high-rise fire remediation. These include an award-winning 34-home affordable housing scheme in Wythenshawe and successful Gateway 2 applications for Hatton Gardens in Liverpool and The Blake in Southampton. I’ve also built a strong relationship with a major national contractor, delivering high-rise remediation and refurbishment projects across England and Scotland.

As an accredited Building Regulations Principal Designer, I have a particular interest in building safety and compliance. My strengths lie in job running, detailed design and project management, helping projects progress smoothly and meet the required standards.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling where possible to explore different cultures and running recently completing the Great North Run 2025 and London Marathon in 2026.
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Architectural Assistant
Iram Rihab

BSc(Hons), M.Arch
Architectural Assistant
Iram Rihab

BSc(Hons), M.Arch

I have recently joined BTP as a Part II Architectural Assistant. I graduated with a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Salford in 2023 and have since gained two years of professional experience in practice.

My experience spans RIBA Stages 2–5, working across a range of sectors including PBSA, residential, cladding remediation, self-storage, and refurbishment projects. I have contributed to Gateway Two submissions and developed a strong understanding of the Building Safety Act framework, particularly in relation to cladding remediation schemes.

I have an interest in heritage conservation and regeneration projects and look forward to expanding my experience in these areas at BTP. I look forward to being a part of the BTP team and intend to begin my Part 3 qualifications this year as I work towards becoming a registered architect.

Outside of architecture, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, painting, hiking, and travelling - exploring different cultures and cuisines.
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Architect
Pardis Naji

BSc (Hons), M.Arch, ARB, RIBA
Architect
Pardis Naji

BSc (Hons), M.Arch, ARB, RIBA

I joined BTP in June 2024, qualifying as an architect in April 2026. I previously worked at a large Manchester practice bringing experience in commercial developments, multi-storey car parks and high-rise residential projects.

My background includes designing homes to national space standards and accessibility requirements. At BTP, I enjoy combining technical detail with thoughtful design, with a particular interest in conservation, refurbishment and sustainability.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, hiking, playing badminton and horse riding.