Client Strandbrook | Date 2019-2022 |
Architect PDP London | Interior Design Carter Owers |
Landscape Architect Andy Sturgeon | Custom Luminaires DAL |
Project Team Keith Bradshaw, James Fuentes McGreevy, Jungwon Jung | |
Invited to redesign the lighting for linked communal spaces that cut through the Grade II listed building, our design centres around a series of custom statement lighting pieces. Drawing out key Art Deco characteristics such as geometric shapes, frames and grids and working with a balance of translucent and solid materials.
Emerging into an internal courtyard, workers and visitors enter the building through a dramatic new glass entrance pavilion. Given that minimal quantities of natural light can penetrate this area, artificial lighting was crucial to a great first impression
In the double-height reception area, an arrangement of beautifully detailed fluted glass and bronze wall lights is followed by a series of suspended grid-patterned light boxes leading to the lift lobbies.
Carefully positioned to reinforce the rhythm and geometry of the architecture, these details create a welcoming atmosphere and help visually define the different functional spaces, aiding wayfinding.
The journey continues into the upper level of the newly added Glasshouse Garden, a unique flexible breakout space located in a former light well. Double-height glass-framed spaces flank upper and lower corridors with vaulted ceilings, lit by warm custom spherical pendants.
The journey continues into the upper level of the newly added Glasshouse Garden, a unique flexible breakout space located in a former light well. Double-height glass-framed spaces flank upper and lower corridors with vaulted ceilings, lit by warm custom spherical pendants.
With natural light unable to reach ground level, highlights to planting and uplighting to the facades and green walls create a soft surrounding glow. Additional task lighting helps shape a hospitable atmosphere for meeting, networking and socialising.
With natural light unable to reach ground level, highlights to planting and uplighting to the facades and green walls create a soft surrounding glow. Additional task lighting helps shape a hospitable atmosphere for meeting, networking and socialising.
From the lower corridor of the Glasshouse, a collonade leads out towards the Embankment entrance reception area. Original pendants, refurbished and upgraded, cast light onto the vaulted ceiling to keep this transition area feeling bright and spacious.
The entrance area was previously lit with an assortment of downlights and uplights that gave it a harsh yet flat appearance. Now, a neat bespoke lozenge-shaped light-box detail delivers a soft and welcoming quality of light while also acting as a beautiful feature detail of the ceiling.
Interestingly, while the characteristic large glowing surfaces give the impression of creating a bright and airy space, in most cases, we also added subtle additional lighting to balance the composition and boost the light levels without detracting from the visual impact of the statement pieces.
This approach feels naturally harmonious with the heritage architecture and delivers a vibrant and contemporary office environment.