detectors which operate the open and close mechanism while
alleviating the need for separate sensors. Light rings featured in
the lobby area have also been fitted inside the drum of the door
– again reflecting the art deco style. And an air curtain was fitted
into the installation to blow warm air over the entrance and stop
cold air pushing into the building.
Outside, over the top of the impressive double-height entrance is
faced with dark green tiles which evoke the style of the modern/
deco aesthetic. This has been one of Lafontaine’s original design
features but was considered too risqué by the Crown Estate at
the time and was never applied.
THIS PROJECT IS AN OUTSTANDING
EXAMPLE OF HOW THE REFURBISHMENT
OF AN HISTORIC BUILDING CAN
ENHANCE ITS FACILITIES WHILE
REMAINING TRUE TO THE VISION OF ITS
ORIGINAL ARCHITECT.
Orms architects conscientiously researched the creator’s
intentions and the effect is truly mesmerizing and so evocative
of the time.
The entrance now leads into a distinctive mono-chromatic
lobby with terrazzo flooring, fluted glass walls, gold coloured
reception desk and a ‘Guggenheim-inspired’ stepped inner
atrium that echoes the glamour of a bygone era. It incorporates
a curved wall of back-lit white fluted glass which illuminates the
reception with twin pendant lights referencing the geometrical
forms of art deco.
The entrance was specified within a detailed brief by Orms
Architects, which devised the plans for the £38 million
refurbishment of what was created to be an ‘ultra-modern
building of imposing appearance’.
Said Andy Howland, GEZE UK’s Sales and Marketing Director:
“This project is an outstanding example of how the refurbishment
of an historic building can enhance its facilities while remaining
true to the vision of its original architect.
“Orms had very detailed requirements to refit No 1 New
Oxford Street to such a high standard in order to future-proof
the building to the demands that would be placed upon it. We
are delighted that GEZE products were incorporated into this
scheme which can rightly take its place among the landmark
architecture of the capital.”
Kam Sagoo, Design Manager for Fleetwood Architectural
Aluminum said that the level of detailing and installation needed
to be very precise.
“GEZE UK was brought early during the design process and
numerous meetings were held, with all relevant parties present,
to fully understand the design intent, the detailing, coordination,
sequencing, logistics and installation.
“Having an established relationship with GEZE UK meant that we
could forge ahead with the technical design and realise a viable
and compliant solution. The result is a stunning entrance screen
which blends the GEZE Slimdrive SCR system effortlessly with
the FAA bespoke facade.”
It totals 12,250 sq ft of retail and 95,000 sq ft Grade A office
space. Owned by TIAA Henderson Real Estate, its occupants now
include H&M’s luxury brand COS.
For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range
of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or
visit www.geze.co.uk
The redevelopment has added 10,000 square feet across nine-
storey and incorporated new lifts and bridge decks into the
previous courtyard which overlook the new full-height glazed
atrium at its heart.