Issue 37 Spring 23 WEB - Flipbook - Page 11
Above, on floor tenant washrooms showcase high quality craftsmanship and materials
between lift lobby and the Embankment Level access.
These modern facilities blend seamlessly with the aesthetic and quality of the retained existing fabric, which in
itself has been significantly upgraded as part of the works.
of office accommodation, some 160,000 sq ft, which will
compete with the best that the London office market
has to offer with an occupancy of 1 person per 8 sqm.
Internally, the open plan interiors have been stripped
down to the steel columns to reveal the authenticity of
the structure. The riveted columns which are a testimony
to the construction methods of the time are now celebrated, rather than hidden by white plasterboard. Exposed
services have been designed to be complementary to the
existing building fabric, installed so that the full height
and design of the original ceilings can be appreciated,
whilst providing an elegant, minimalist and accessible
installation for the upgraded ventilation, heating and
cooling systems. Secondary glazing has also been added
to improve the building fabric on these floors.
Sitting at the centre of the public floors is a second
courtyard lightwell. Inserted here is the ‘Glasshouse
Garden’, an elegant landscaped sanctuary which sits at
the heart of Eighty Strand’s transformation. Here you will
find double height conservatory-style extensions, creating
an indoor/outdoor communal space with seating, dining
and meeting areas. Biophilic design sees landscaped
greenery and lush vertical planting introduced to promote
both wellbeing and biodiversity. The atrium is a bright,
communal area to be enjoyed by those who work in the
building as well as providing a place in which to welcome
guests. Working alongside both the MEP and structural
engineers, this unique and valuable landlord space was
created by altering the floor slabs and stripping out and
relocating building service equipment to provide level
access, allowing the spaces to flow, and making this lightwell accessible to building users for the first time in 90
years. This new space provides a strong, legible link
between the Embankment entrance and the Strand
entrance level three floors above.
The on floor tenant washrooms showcase high quality
craftsmanship and continue the design language established on entering the building. The floor tiles here are
in two tones of terrazzo, a nod to the existing Art Deco
material, and textured, bespoke curved wall tiles have
been designed to reference the form and finish of the
existing crackle glazed tiles of the original staircases which
still remain today.
Hotel-quality end-of-trip facilities in the basement
provide visitors and tenants with premium showering and
changing facilities and extensive cycle parking. Luxurious
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In addition to the transformation of the public areas, the
project also sees the complete refurbishment of four floors
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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