The client tasked us with giving the space a completely new feel, moving away from its more clinical design. Our brief was to create a luxurious and hospitality-esque reception space while leaning into the existing heritage architectural features. The space on the third floor had been vacant for some time so we were also tasked with designing a space that would cater to various prospective tenants, while making it feel bespoke and tailored at the same time.
Creating this CAT A+ space on the third floor, as well as the refurbishment of the reception and common areas, we were all heavily inspired by Basildon House’ original architectural features, such as the decorative ceilings, mouldings and encaustic wall tiles. The design concept was all about heritage and creating an elevated feeling throughout the space to marry well with the existing features.
A Contemporary Classic
While the goal throughout was to maintain and champion the heritage and the classic architectural elements, we also wanted to ensure we were meeting the brief of injecting luxury into the space. We injected this luxury through our furniture choices, finding pieces that matched the classic elements of the space, while still maintaining a sense of modernity throughout the fit out. This is seen most evidently in the welcome area on the third floor; we chose furnishings that while contemporary in shape and design, are of a more vintage style in colour and material. The dark woods, rich reds and greens, and velour textures, were chosen to offset the more contemporary design of the pieces, leaning into the marriage of the modern and heritage throughout the fit out. These design choices ultimately elevate the premium feeling of entire space, which the team were able to achieve all while keeping costs to a minimum, really making the budget work hard for the pay off.
Finishes with Intent
The earthy colour palette and finishes throughout the space, were inspired by the colour of the existing, brown-orange, encaustic tiling in the reception and common parts of the building. The common area on the third floor is where this colour palette is most apparent - with the plush green velvet seating, paired alongside the brown textured tiling, and warm-toned pendant lighting with antique brass accents. The use of both colour and texture here, feels considered and designed, elevating the sense of opulence and luxury that is fitting for the Grade II listed building. This colour story was also brought through to the main office space, where warm orange and mustard yellows were used in the furniture, and antique brass accents were dotted throughout. This continuation of the colour palette inspired by the original heritage elements, was our way of creating a seamless user-experience from entering the building all the way up to the tenant floors.
The Floor That Set The Precedent
Our work at 7 Moorgate proved the value and ROI of CAT A+ to the client, and through our fit-out, the client further understood the intent of design on a whole. Our fit-out set the precedent throughout the rest of the building, with both tenants of the other floors wanting to replicate that of the first. Having built this trust with the client we are now carrying out the fit outs of the remaining floors, bringing through the same heritage inspired elements, but tailoring the design to both tenants’ brand look and feel.
