Morrow + Lorraine have completed a contemporary refurbishment of a 16-storey office tower in Southwest London with unique views of the surrounding region.  Our brief was to upgrade the existing office space, re-think the arrival experience, and to provide enhanced building facilities for tenants, visitors, commuters and building management.

The reception offers a much-improved arrival experience contributed by a new enlarged glazed frontage, outward facing welcome desk, new landscaping and a carefully considered lighting and wayfinding strategy that is consistent throughout the building.  The expansive floor to ceiling reception glazing opens the space to the street and floods it with natural light.  Natural sustainable robust materials are incorporated within the reception to provide colour and warmth and a contrast to its concrete clad exterior.

Improving the experience and well-being of tenants was at the forefront of the design. The reception incorporates spaces that encourage social interactions rather than simply a means to pass security and access the office spaces.  A rear extension clad in charred timber houses new commuter facilities which will encourage sustainable travel to work.  A sedum roof to the extension adds biodiversity and visual interest when viewed from the upper floors.  The associated multi-storey car park has been refurbished and houses a new secure bicycle storage area along with 8 electric car charging points.

The CAT-A and CAT-B office floors are designed in response to modern ways of working and provide flexibility for the future.  Existing building elements of architectural merit and of sound condition are exposed and enhanced where possible.  Examples include the coffered concrete floor slabs, cast-in conduit routes and existing windows which let in an abundance of natural light.  Exposed services are designed in minute detail to limit material use, to work in harmony with the exposed coffers and to prevent future tenant fit-out concealment.

A lift extension ensures that the top floor is now accessible to all and provides the added benefit of a shared business lounge.  The lounge has been designed to provide social and private working spaces along with meeting rooms for hire.  Internal planting and stunning views of London’s Green belt make this a perfect spot for tenants to work or relax.

Photography | Ed Reeve