Asset Strategy

A tired reception has been repositioned as a hospitality-led arrival space, improving tenant uptake of previously empty floors. The works set out to elevate the whole visitor journey through the building with one coherent design for the covered entrance area, the reception, the staircase and lobbies from first to the seventh floors, and the WCs and showers. Inspiration for the new fabric and interventions throughout were drawn from the building's own terrazzo, brass and green marble to ensure a timeless aesthetic that sits in quiet harmony with the heritage features.

HERITAGE APPROACH  

Through historic research and pre construction on-site survey we discovered that only the central reception volume was original; the side transepts flanking it were a later enlargement of little historic value. That finding allowed those areas to be entirely stripped out and carry a more contemporary design with new green panelling. When the later suspended ceilings in the side transepts were taken down during construction, an unexpected soaring high space was uncovered. Rather than build to the designed scheme, we treated the discovery as an opportunity, quicky reworked the design to introduce two arched ceilings to take advantage of the height, and agreed the change with the Conservation Officer at Westminster City Council. We also secured Listed Building Consent to encapsulate the original marble floor and lay new slip-resistant tile over it, a reversible solution that protects the historic fabric while giving the building a harder-wearing, easier to maintain surface.  Read more about our planning journey here.

Sustainability and Wellbeing

The new carpet runs continuously from the lower ground floor to the seventh floor. Supplied by Ege Carpets, it uses 146.08 kg of regenerated nylon made from reclaimed carpet and discarded fishing nets. The refurbished staircase, refreshed in the new green palette and the continuous carpet, is now used far more by occupants, encouraging movement between floors and supporting day to day wellbeing and a visible pride in the workspace.  

Testimonial

"We have worked with 4SA to add value to a number of challenging heritage properties, including the Grade II listed building on Pall Mall. With their knowledge of historic buildings, and their commitment to high-quality design, 4SA developed innovative design solutions that were granted listed building consent. 4SA are a reliable practice with a collaborative attitude, working seamlessly with us and letting agents to take onboard market-led design requirements throughout the process. Their ability to respond quickly on site to unexpected conditions also ensures that opportunities to add value are taken advantage of, and the project progresses smoothly through construction to a successful end product."

Stuart, Asset Manager