Issue 37 Spring 23 WEB - Flipbook - Page 8
and the client, Strandbrook. Together, the team created
a courtyard entrance experience with a glowing and
carefully crafted pavilion, setting the tone for people to
enjoy the building. Sited through the archway, this new
pavilion entices people into the entrance courtyard,
animating the space by providing glimpses of light and the
activity within.'
A great deal of care has been taken to improve the
legibility and flow of the spaces for occupants and guests,
in answer to the challenge of welcoming some 6,000
people through the entrance spaces during the morning
and evening rush hours. The entrance façade houses five
entryways, including three grand revolving doors, standing at 4.3 metres tall. Beyond, the building reception, lift
lobby and inner courtyard spaces flow seamlessly,
connecting the length of the building to the Embankment
level access. Previously tired and institutional, these
entrance spaces are now contemporary and luxurious,
boasting high quality materials and finishes.
Now, when approaching from the Strand, visitors arrive
into the tranquil inner courtyard and enter the building
through the glass and steel pavilion: a contemporary jewel
nestled between the existing listed fabric. The courtyard
itself has been revitalised, offering a welcoming space for
people to meet, with new planting and tranquil water feature installed to aid contemplation. The pavilion intentionally touches the existing structure lightly, respecting
the existing fabric - whilst providing a contemporary
counterpoint - with a form which is expressive and reminiscent of early 20th century architecture. The structure
of this vault was carefully engineered by structural engineer Simon Bennett with specialist Seele UK, to avoid
the need for horizontal ties interrupting the volume. The
glazed elements of the roof have a frit which emulates the
structural bracing at the edge of the dome, which, together with the steelwork and a large chandelier, form a
diamond pattern that is a contemporary nod to Art Deco
motifs found in the building’s interior.
With interiors in collaboration with Carter Owers, the
fully glazed entrance pavilion sets off a series of double
height welcoming spaces, providing a sense of scale and
grandeur to the arrival experience. Here, design elements
include undulating brass screens and a new, intricately
detailed stone and glass reception desk which, together
with visitor seating, lend the space a fresh and modern
feel while clearly referencing the building’s 1930s heritage.
Moving through the space to the lobby, stylish lounge
areas sit beyond the pavilion reception, creating a
community hub with a place for people to meet, socialise,
relax and work informally and flexibly. High level polished
stucco plaster panelling, decorative metalwork, restored
Below, the fully glazed pavilion sets off a series of double height welcoming spaces, providing a sense of scale and grandeur to the arrival experience
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