Archetech Issue 42 2019 | Page 41

Echoing the building’s origins as a Victorian gramophone factory, the entrance includes ‘The Dream Machine’, a custom- made, steampunk-inspired reception desk. Designed alongside Mamou-Mani Architects, it consists of 3D-printed glowing flutes attached to the salvaged goods lift motor. The entrance and lower floors create a sense of space and set the tone for the rest of the building, which remains sympathetic to its industrial past. Exposed services and black steel beams throughout act as a nod to the building’s history, while the otherwise neat, contemporary style caters for the tech and media companies which are highly concentrated in the area and require flexible working space. Terrazzo floors flow seamlessly throughout the building creating a unified, elegant look. Large areas of glazing maximise the amount of daylight flowing into the interior. On the west elevation, powder-coated Crittal- style windows emulate the original fixtures. Brick was used as a key material to respect the surroundings and the 19th century façade. Protruding patterns and a mixture of different colour bricks add detail and texture. THE ENTRANCE AND LOWER FLOORS CREATE A SENSE OF SPACE AND SET THE TONE FOR THE REST OF THE BUILDING