Straus Haus
55 Gt. Sutton Street
Clerkenwell, EC1
Clerkenwell – once a hub of leatherworking in 19th-century London – built its reputation crafting high-quality bags and accessories in small, skilled workshops. Fuelled by nearby Smithfield Market’s supply of leather hide, the area became synonymous with craftsmanship. Though traditional manufacturing has faded, Clerkenwell’s legacy lives on in its evolution into a vibrant design and creative district.
In 1927, bag manufacturer Charles Straus had a purposebuilt factory on the site, then named Straus House. Over the years the site evolved for many different uses, from local manufacturers, to warehouses, and was ultimately turned into offices in the 1960s.
Taking inspiration from the authentic heritage of the building and to pay homage to its past, we have restored its original name. In 2025, ‘Straus Haus’ at 50 Great Sutton Street embodies the character of Clerkenwell’s heritage, while offering a forward-thinking workspace designed for modern occupiers.
The original ‘Straus House’ was purpose built for bag manufacturer Charles Straus in 1927. The site now occupies street numbers 47-53.
Renowned architects Piercy&Company are reimagining Straus Haus for the 21st century.
The property comprises a showroom on the ground and lower ground floors featuring direct, independent access from Great Sutton Street – separate from the main office entrance.
In addition to the thoughtfully designed interiors, Straus Haus offers a private courtyard and external terraces on the lower ground, ground and fifth floors, perfect for informal meetings, relaxing or outdoor working. The building’s design emphasises flexibility, featuring open, light-filled interiors with premium finishes. The finished product is a workspace that meets the needs of today’s businesses, while offering adaptability for the future.
Sustainability is at the heart of Piercy&Company’s Straus Haus redesign vision.
Retaining the existing building saves a considerable amount of embodied carbon, compared to an equivalent new build scheme. Low embodied carbon figures will be achieved by retaining the existing stair cores and working within the building’s capacity, minimising the need for strengthening works.
The aim is to design and deliver a building that is environmentally and ecologically sustainable. This will be achieved by reducing the scheme’s embodied and operational carbon emissions, and minimising its ecological impact. All office levels, above ground floor will be naturally ventilated.
Piercy&Company intend to transform the existing building into a best-in-class office space. A series of external amenity spaces (from the west/central courtyard through to the upper level terraces) will provide new tenants with opportunity for biophilic design.
Misrepresentation act 1967: Knight Frank and Compton, for themselves and for the lessor(s) of this property whose agents they are, give notice that: 1. These particulars do not constitute any part of, an offer or contract. 2. None of the statements contained in these particulars are to be relied on as statements or representations of fact. 3. Any intending lessee must satisfy himself by inspection or otherwise as the correctness of each of the statements contained in these particulars. 4. The lessor(s) do not make or give and neither Knight Frank nor Compton, nor any person in their employment has any authority make or give, any representation or warranty whatever in relation to this property. Finance Act 1989: Unless otherwise stated all prices and rents are quoted exclusive of VAT Property Misdescription Act 1991: These details are believed to be correct at the time of compilation but may be subject to subsequent amendment. Brochure and photographs. May 2025.