Archetech Issue 39 2018 | Page 101

gpad has extended and refurbished the ground floor façade and main entrance of the 1980’s office building to high specification. Visitors enter the remodelled building through the reception, which benefits from a generous floor-to-ceiling height of nearly 4m, a feature staircase, exposed concrete soffit and feature lighting. The architects retained the existing staircase which creates real impact on entering the building. The original 1980’s staircase was retained and refurbished and the stair balustrades have been polished with the stringer and trays painted. A series of pendant lights form a focal point over the stairs. The ceiling and adjacent wall blend together in a collection of raised diagonal lines and triangular shapes that leave a striking yet playful first impression and form a unique entryway to the first floor. The reception is the main feature and was extended so that the architects could incorporate the stairs to the basement plant room, which has been converted into a bike store with showers. The fully refurbished exterior is made up of low iron glazing, but once inside, a visitor encounters the polished plaster of the walls subtly contrasting with the glossy finish of the marble floor. The showstopper roof terrace atop the 2nd floor has a view of the surrounding conservation area and landscaped churchyard. This terrace offers an exclusive break-out space for tenants for flexible outdoor working, meetings and relaxing. For the office areas, to appeal to both financial and tech businesses, the brief was to conceal the ceiling services while maintaining ceiling height. The architects worked within the existing curtain walling creating a bulkhead around the perimeter to conceal services and downlights. The central sections were left exposed to exhibit the concrete ceiling structure, ensuring that ceiling height was maintained. The result is high quality, open plan floorplates with a semi-industrial look due to the partially exposed ceiling services, painted soffit with simple box LED striplights, driven by DALI dimmable control system, with a black finish alternating with white acoustic baffles. All floors, from the basement upwards, benefit from excellent levels of natural light. The neutral colour palette of white and grey complements the exposed and reconditioned concrete columns. The bathrooms are kept clean and simple with white herringbone tiling to the walls, with brass fixtures and fittings. FEATURING AN EXCLUSIVE ROOF TERRACE FOR TENANTS, THE BUILDING IS LOCATED 250 METRES SOUTH EAST OF OLD STREET ROUNDABOUT AND CLOSE TO MOORGATE AND LIVERPOOL STREET STATIONS, A PERFECT LOCATION FOR CREATIVE, TECH AND FINANCIAL BUSINESSES ALIKE.