British Aerospace Offices

The British Aerospace Offices, built in 1934 by Geoffrey Monro for the de Havilland Aviation Company, are a notable example of International Modern/Moderne architecture. The building is constructed from white painted reinforced concrete and features a flat roof that is concealed behind a parapet.

The layout includes a raised central block that houses the entrance hall and stairwell, which is recessed at the front and projects at the rear. This central block is flanked by two-storey office wings that have axial corridors. The exterior is symmetrical on the southeast front, showcasing a raised central block with superimposed pilasters that clasp the corners, adorned with reeding at the top. The recessed parapet features alternating reeding and blocks, and there is a three-light window on the first floor with a reeded frieze above a wide doorway. This doorway is framed by a glazed green tile architrave and is sheltered by a cantilevered concrete canopy.

The long two-storey wings are characterized by horizontal bands of metal frame windows, which are complemented by glazed green-tile piers and surrounds. The windows curve back towards the central block, which is accessed by a flight of steps flanked by curved and stepped dwarf walls. Similar horizontal window bands are present at both ends and on the rear elevation, which features a projecting central section with a later bridge that connects the offices to another building across the road.

Inside, the stone-clad hall and stairwell include a reeded frieze and cornice. The open-well stairs have an unpierced balustrade with a marble handrail, and there is a similar marble rail on the stone-clad dado at the landing. The stone doorway architraves and a plaque with a roll of honour add to the interior's significance. The offices are panelled and feature moulded chimneypieces, with axial corridors in the wings. The ground floor includes metal and glass partitions.

These offices were significant for the de Havilland Aviation Company and for figures such as Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, Frank Hearle, and Alan Butler, where many famous aircraft, including the Tiger Moth, Dragonfly, Mosquito, Vampire, and Comet, were designed.