With glazing on three sides, an empty ground floor site in Chelsea invited a graphically robust scheme that would be visually compelling on both sides of the glass. The brief was to establish a strong identity, bringing cohesion to a headquarters with a variety of uses, and creating bold branding for a diverse business.
An elliptical ‘chamber’, with walls formed by a cluster of twisted 1mm thick brass ribbons, cuts an intimate central space into the glass box. The ribbons extend and glide across the ceiling, creating a permeable surface that folds sharply before landing at the base of the outermost glazing, where it is anchored to the floor using bespoke metal plates, cast into the concrete.
The 332 bespoke made panels banish the previously static character of the space. They cast dramatic shadows onto the polished floor, creating a rhythm of reflection, shadow and light that is animated for visitors as they circulate through the space.
The iste is divided into two distinct spaces: the reflective events space, and warm monochrome office, workshop and meeting rooms. The threshold of the office is defined by movement into utilitarian white tiling and grey felt wall paneling, creating a hushed atmosphere that quietly opposes the liveliness of the brass cavern.
Photography Credit: @Anna Stathaki
