Introduction
China Overseas Land & Investment Limited is a member of China State Construction Engineering Corporation. The Company has 41 years of property development and commercial property management operation experience.
Intelligent space planning and the specification of high-end bespoke elements delivers a luxurious warm welcoming space. Black Elephant’s unique design maximises the potential of this mid-town building and will attract tenants that require quality private offices that can be quickly tailored to their specific business needs.
The Brief
Occupying a significant point between Kingsway and Aldwych the landmark Centrium building at 61 Aldwych provides 181,473 sq. ft. of Grade A office space arranged over basement, ground and 9 upper floors.
Having purchased the property in 2013 the client wanted to refurbish and upgrade the shell and core of the building to a quality CAT A standard. With tenants still in-situ in some parts of the building, the programme of extensive refurbishment had to be undertaken as tenants vacated their offices.
The Vision
The client’s requirement was to provide high-end workspaces for dynamic business owners seeking private offices, versatile co-working spaces, and accessible office suites within London’s sought after commercial mid-town area. The ‘look and feel’ was to be fresh and stylish with a well-designed use of space, and smart welcoming reception and waiting areas.
The Design
Three design proposals were presented to the client who opted for a high-end arrangement that would distinguish itself from what is perceived as a typical open plan office design.
The scheme was to be reflected on each of the three floors with recessed linear lights offering a sophisticated alternative to suspended ceilings and attached to ceiling baffles they would visually enhance the expansive white ceilings, open plan spaces, and lift lobby areas.
Installing raised tiled access floors and exposing diagonal structural beams along the window elevations enabled a visual impact that would subtly echo the building’s history and offer tenants a smart flexible blank canvas for their own unique corporate branding.
The sumptuous redesign of the ground floor area instils a positive first impression for guests and visitors when they arrive at the welcoming reception and guest waiting areas where a palette of neutral colours, sumptuous natural stone finishes, soft accent seating and a feature LED suspended chandelier, enhances the stunning atrium.
A fusion of sustainable super durable engineered cork flooring chosen for its environmental benefits, and Corten wall finishes, deliver a strong aesthetic and subtle drama to this airy open space.
An identical palette and materials continue throughout the lift lobby areas, creating a cohesive stylish synergy where luxury and style are balanced with practicability.
Modern washroom facilities feature elegant rectangular washbasins with matt-black taps and ironmongery designed to be the perfect foil for the simple contemporary white-tiled backdrops.
Continuing the theme of concrete, metal, and marble retains an elegant, timeless but current feel throughout the common areas of this elegant building.