This project allowed us to be creative in a very different way to other projects. With a client working within the theatre industry, they wanted quite a special environment, and we took time to align with how they wanted their space to be transformed. A brand-new industrial unit split across 2 floors was to host a sound-proofed ground floor studio, a contemporary reception area as well as first floor offices and meeting space to support a small but growing business. Within the unit is a roller shutter door which provides access for a large storage area for technical equipment. Our clients wanted to maintain an industrial look and feel throughout, maximising the space as well as ensuring practicality and function.
Immediately, we were excited by this project and in tune with what our clients were hoping to achieve. Our working relationship was a partnership from the start. Careful consideration went into every detail of the planning and design process. Given the nature of what they do, our clients wanted to ensure they had lots of well-positioned power, data and fibre optic cabling, particularly to the ground floor pre-visualisation studio. Our design included many bespoke elements, which meant that not only could we utilise the space effectively, but also allowed for initial ideas to develop during build.
During the 10-week project, we worked with a variety of different products to bring depth and texture to each of the areas, as well as the sought-after wow factor. We used a blend of bulkhead, pendant, spot and halo lighting across both floors and within the stairwell and reception areas to individualise spaces. Acoustic curtains were used to provide a suitable environment for the ground floor pre-viz studio as well as to separate the soft seating chill-out area directly next to the storage space and shutter door. The existing kitchen was improved by installing feature splashbacks and provision for additional appliances.
The first-floor function was to host an open plan working as well as providing a cellular 2-person office and a Board Room to seat 10. Crittal effect glass partitioning was used to create these areas, which retained the open plan look and feel and provided a modern edge. We also installed a media wall between the office and the board room, which created an additional pocket of space and a touch-down point. We installed a vaulted black suspended ceiling,g which gave a nod to the industrial feel whilst also providing a clean, trendy backdrop to the lighting features. The existing kitchen was relocated to the first floor to enable us to create an additional break-out space as well as allowing for a Board Room that would not need to be interrupted.
Wall finishes throughout were dark greys, reds and black with leather and velvet furniture, which worked together to provide a ‘theatrical’ feel. We also used some very cool wood panelling from “Vtech” which added texture. The showcase wall on the first floor was created using graffiti on a brick wall with a musical theme within the graffiti art. To enhance this, we installed a bespoke shelving unit built around the window, which included a working ladder and finished with a 4-metre-long moss panel feature. Within the window itself sits a high bench made with scaffold board to create an additional working or breakout space.
The existing stairwell was already industrial in look, and we added galvanised conduit, bulkhead lighting and brick-effect wallpaper to present as an external access. We carried the same look into the small but characterful reception area, which was created using reused theatre chairs and a retro working stage door sign.
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Blue Ocean Real Estate Ltd
Company No: 05517652
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