Sneak peek of completed project: 100 Pall Mall

Figure 1: Exterior view of 100 Pall Mall, London. Source: 4 S Architecture, Photo by Henry Woide.

Making London’s heritage suitable for contemporary office occupancy

The question of how to make London’s heritage workplace buildings relevant to today’s contemporary office occupant within the confines of listed building status is solved elegantly in our refurbishment of this Grade II listed, McMorran & Whitby Stripped Classicism style building in Central London.

Figure 2: Our scheme specified a pale green paint to the stair soffit, to match with the veining in the green marble. Source: 4 S Architecture, photo by Henry Woide.

Our response to the site

When we first visited the building, we found that many of its interior fittings were later additions, in materials which were foreign to the original building fabric. These later additions and materials were removed and new insertions, echoing those already in place, were made to create a harmonious whole. Curved forms in the reception desk, and arched seating niches reflect the central barrel-vaulted reception ceiling, while colours used for new elements draw inspiration from the historic material palette. Deep green wall panelling matches the existing green marble arches, while brushed brass lined niches, lighting and reception desk tie in with the existing polished brass staircase handrail – but are finished to clearly differentiate new from old, refreshing the aesthetic to make it more appealing to today’s workplace occupier.

Figure 3: Arched seating niches reflect the central barrel-vaulted reception ceiling. Source: 4 S Architecture, Photo by Henry Woide.

Our improvements to the function of the building

We specified a new green carpet for the staircase which is a careful match to the green marble found in the building. This carpet from Ege Carpets uses 146.08kg of regenerated nylon, made from old carpets and discarded fishing nets. It provides a sustainable, slip resistant finish that runs up the once plainly decorated staircase. Our scheme for 100 Pall Mall also specified a pale green paint to the stair soffit, to match the veining in the green marble – a contemporary twist that creates unexpected views for office occupants. These gestures were made to encourage the use of the stairs over the lift, improving the health and wellbeing of occupants.

The impact of our design

The end result has improved tenant uptake of empty floors, as it welcomes occupants with a unique piece of history, carefully layered with a contemporary style aesthetic that makes this once tired and dated building relevant for the needs of today’s sophisticated workplace.

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