This scheme addressed the practical deficiencies and poor public image of an office development at the heart of Covent Garden, designed in the 1970s and in need of an element of refurbishment and re-branding.
This scheme addressed the practical deficiencies and poor public image of an office development at the heart of Covent Garden, designed in the 1970s and in need of an element of refurbishment and re-branding.
The entrance via an external raised piazza was uninviting and detached from the street – the piazza itself was tired and claustrophobic while the reception area was low and poorly lit. Squire and Partners was asked to re-evaluate both, as well as refurbishing some 60,000 sq.ft. of office space on five floors.
The new double-height reception area was formed by removing part of the first floor slab, with a simple palette of materials (white plaster, white marble, limestone, timber and stainless steel) used to create an elegant and luminous interior. The piazza has been totally recast, with granite paving, low Portland stone walls and appropriate planting to make an inviting preface to the building.
Client MEPC UK Ltd/Asticus UK Ltd
Contractor Overbury
Quantity Surveyor EC Harris
Services Mecserve
Structure Price and Myers
