Archetech Issue 58 2022 | Page 85

Photos : Jill Tate
SPACEINVADER
clad in black-stained timber , set within the building ’ s light-well . Planting along the back wall ensures the first floor ’ s tenant ( a bank ) remains private , whilst generous hanging planting creates the feeling of an outdoor space . As well as introducing more integrated biophilia , the atrium represents an area of retreat , with the planting surround helping with users ’ physical and mental wellbeing and also providing a natural acoustic element . Under each floor slab of the building above are ventilation grills and panelling , originally in old-fashioned timber and newly sprayed black to make sure the upper floors tie in with the new scheme .
The pavilion ’ s interior was designed with a more flexible type of upholstered seating , allowing tenants to work individually or as groups by splitting / grouping tables , with further loose lounge seating so it can act as a breakout space or quick catch-up setting . Vertical slats incorporate acoustic panels to reduce reverberation . Terracotta is used for the booth upholstery , whilst the greens in the lounge area work with the planting . A coffee point is located to the left . The carpet here also helps with the acoustics and is in a light grey to tie in with the scheme ’ s predominant flooring , with an added grey vinyl apron around the coffee point .
The pavilion features two levels of lighting . First , fan-shaped circular Buzzispace acoustic lights which represent another ‘ lace collar ’ reference , whilst above the pavilion , a feature light is made of simple hoops on different levels ( by StudioTech ), tying in with the entrance area lighting . The stair features a black version of the marble finish as a highlight before the floor returns to the grey marble finish .
Bike Store , Showers and Toilets - Upper Basement
The upper basement space now incorporates a bike store , showers and changing facilities , as well as laundry and drying facilities for those who work within the building .
‘ This area has quite a high-end feel so it doesn ’ t feel like a basement space ’ Regina Cheng explained , ‘ and is more like a
hotel spa facility with a towel service for the showers . The look and feel here needed to be more minimal , so that it was related to the main scheme but with more muted tones . The colour scheme here features sand for warmth alongside grey stone , slatted to continue the design language of verticality .’
Bold and contrasting wayfinding stands out against the light concrete finish . The bike store is key for the space , giving those that cycle to work a safe place for their bike and equipment . The space also includes a new laundry / drying room for cyclists and new staff room with dining table and sofa .
THIRD AND FOURTH FLOORS
SpaceInvader stripped out the 3rd and half the 4th floor and put in new raised access flooring . The overall directive was to leave scope for Cat B tenants to have a say on floor finishes , whilst creating enough features to boost the Cat A design . Cat A finishes included removing an existing grid ceiling and painting the new largely-exposed ceiling dark grey with new rafts to break up the uniformity , with all ventilation either integrated into the rafts or relocated to the core and perimeter , concealed within a bulkhead detail . This leaves a cleaner soffit with exposed conduits for lighting . The entrance areas by the atrium feature an open triangular ceiling system by SAS . Suspended linear lights were integrated into the ceiling , whilst the central band features recessed spotlights and linear lights .
Rob Codling , Fund Manager , LGIM Real Assets commented ‘ Through long-term investment , we remain proactive in delivering the optimum environment for our occupiers . LGIM Real Assets has made a significant investment in One Piccadilly Gardens ( OPG ) – in which SpaceInvader has played a pivotal role . The transformation of the property will not only improve our occupiers ’ experience , but , more widely , assist in our drive to be landlord of choice . Aligning with Legal & General ’ s ongoing ESG agenda , all works undertaken at OPG have the highest ESG credentials , ensuring the building remains fit for the future .’
www . spaceinvaderdesign . co . uk
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