The Collar Factory
This project involved the conversion of a derelict Grade II listed industrial building in Taunton into shared office and co-working space for a private developer. Located within an urban conservation setting, the scheme responds to the constraints of a historic listed structure while supporting the continued use of a building with an established place in Taunton’s industrial history. The Collar Factory was built in the 1890s for Henry J. Van Trump and remained in clothing-related use until 1964.
The architectural approach introduced a contemporary fit-out within the limitations of the retained building fabric. The spatial strategy was developed to maximise office and co-working accommodation while preserving the large-scale, open character of the former industrial interior. Interventions were deliberately restrained, allowing the proportions, structure and historic fabric of the building to remain legible within its new use.
Parallel Architecture provided planning support, technical design, building regulations information and full construction drawings, working closely with Shape Studio on the interior fit-out and maintaining ongoing architectural coordination on site with Corbel during delivery.
