Mustard Tree
Countless individuals struggling with poverty or homelessness have found a lifeline at the The Mustard Tree nonprofit. By fostering skills and self-belief, the charity has been a catalyst for individual transformation for those in need.
The deliberately sparse conversion of two combined 1950s buildings in the Ancoats area of Manchester achieved the most impact with the least expenditure.
| Client | The Mustard Tree |
|---|---|
| Architect: | OMI Architects |
| Size | 2 Stories | 28,524 SF (2,650 SM) |
| Office: | Hebden Bridge |
| Completion: | 2018 |
The charity needed a building with more open, flexible, and accessible spaces for those who work, volunteer, or directly benefit from their mission. In response, a newly positioned double-height entrance positions the building’s front of house towards the more public-facing Bengal Street, giving access to a shop, café, and meeting rooms on the ground floor.
Our structural engineering solution transformed an underutilized space into a dynamic, light-filled environment while retaining as much of the existing structure as possible. By strategically leveraging existing steel floor beams, we preserved the building's structural integrity while maximizing natural light. This approach reduced construction costs while created a more spacious and inviting atmosphere.
Since the charity’s services continually evolve. we made rigorous, but simple adjustments to the layout with careful cuts so that the building can be readily customized to meet The Mustard Tree’s needs.
