Maximizing the potential of this Mid-town building.
China Overseas Land & Investment Limited, 61 Aldwych, London WC2B
China Overseas Land & Investment Limited is a member of China State Construction Engineering Corporation. The Company has 41 years of property development and commercial property management operation experience.
The Brief
Occupying a significant focal point between Kingsway and Aldwych the landmark Centrium building at 61 Aldwych provides 181,473 sq. ft. of Grade A office space arranged over basement, ground and 9 upper floors. Constructed in 1915, the building’s architectural facade is a striking design with unadorned stonework, inset fenestration elements and metal spandrel panels.
Occupying a significant focal point between Kingsway and Aldwych the landmark Centrium building at 61 Aldwych provides 181,473 sq. ft. of Grade A office space arranged over basement, ground and 9 upper floors. Constructed in 1915, the building’s architectural facade is a striking design with unadorned stonework, inset fenestration elements and metal spandrel panels.
Having purchased the property in 2013 the client wanted to refurbish and upgrade the building to a shell and core CAT A standard. With tenants still in-situ in some parts of the building, the programme of extensive refurbishment had to be undertaken as and when tenants moved out.
When Black Elephant met the client the 8th and 9th floors were still in occupation, but the 6th floor had been vacated. On investigation however, it transpired that the buildings M&E services had been mirrored across every floor. This knowledge and information together with reports on the building’s basement and rooftop plant including the AHU’s, pumps, main switchgear, extractor fans, boilers, and chillers, enabled Black Elephant in partnership with a known M&E consultancy, to commence a full review of the vacated 6th floor. Validation and plan surveys undertaken formed a robust MEP strategy that enabled full optimization of the usable square footage. Analysis of the generated data also identified that the buildings mechanical and electrical systems had not been updated for at least 10 years and as such required significant alteration to improve the efficiency of its services.
The Vision
The client’s requirement was to provide high-end workspaces for dynamic business owners seeking private offices, versatile co-working spaces, and accessible office suites within London’s sought after commercial mid-town area. The ‘look and feel’ was to be fresh and inspiring with well-designed bright spaces and generous reception and waiting areas.
The client’s requirement was to provide high-end workspaces for dynamic business owners seeking private offices, versatile co-working spaces, and accessible office suites within London’s sought after commercial mid-town area. The ‘look and feel’ was to be fresh and inspiring with well-designed bright spaces and generous reception and waiting areas.
The Design - ONE
Three design proposals were presented to the client who opted for a high-end arrangement that would challenge the typical ‘norm’ in open plan office design.
Three design proposals were presented to the client who opted for a high-end arrangement that would challenge the typical ‘norm’ in open plan office design.
The scheme was to be reflected on each of the three floors with recessed linear lights offering a sophisticated alternative to suspended ceilings and attached to ceiling baffles they would visually enhance the expansive white ceilings, open plan spaces, and lift lobby areas. Installing raised tiled access floors and exposing diagonal structural beams along the window elevations enabled a visual impact that would subtly echo the building’s history and offer tenants a smart flexible blank canvas for their own unique corporate branding.
The sumptuous redesign of the ground floor area instils a positive first impression to first-time visitors where they are met at a sleek custom-made low-level reception desk that sits adjacent to a comfy guest waiting area.
A rich palette of neutral colours, sumptuous natural stone finishes, soft accent seating and a bespoke design suspended contemporary feature LED chandelier enhances the surrounding area and the stunning atrium.
A rich palette of neutral colours, sumptuous natural stone finishes, soft accent seating and a bespoke design suspended contemporary feature LED chandelier enhances the surrounding area and the stunning atrium.
A fusion of polished marble slab floor tiles with laser cut Corten wall finishes brings a strong aesthetic and subtle drama to the design of this airy open space.
The same palette and materials continue throughout the lift lobby areas, creating a relaxing ambiance and a cohesive stylish synergy where luxury and style are carefully balanced with practicability.
The Design - TWO
The Design - THREE
Modern washroom facilities feature elegant rectangular washbasins with matt-black taps and ironmongery designed to be the perfect foil for the simple contemporary white-tiled backdrops. Continuing the theme of concrete, metal, and marble retains an elegant, timeless but current feel throughout the common areas of this elegant building.
Clever space planning and the inclusion of unique bespoke elements delivered a luxurious warm welcoming experience with a design that invites entrepreneurial ways of working and attracts those requiring private offices that can be quickly tailored to their specific needs.
