A Look Inside 200 Gray’s Inn Road Office Building in London

Michal
Real estate
5 years ago

British property development and investment company Great Portland Estates recently hired architecture firm Conran and Partners to completely redesign the ground floor of their 200 Gray’s Inn Road office building in London, England.

“Great Portland Estates plc (GPE), owner of 200 Gray’s Inn Road, sought to adapt the space to respond to the changing work culture of modern occupiers; one which blurs the edges between work and leisure time. The design exudes the feel of a private members’ club in the office reception area, blended with café culture and a hotel experience all within a single space. As a result, the ground floor area, previously a conventionally-configured office reception, has not only been re-adapted but has transformed the arrival experience and provided a much-needed amenity, changing the way the occupiers can use the building.

The space incorporates a café, Outtakes, for staff, visitors and the general public, as well as break-out spaces for meetings. Conran and Partners’ reconfiguration maintains a clear visual link between the café and the atrium beyond. The design delivers a sociable place which encourages people to dwell in the reception area. It also serves to provide a stronger connection between the external, urban environment and the building’s interior at street level, breaking down the barrier between the public and corporate environments.

The building’s architecture uses materials which are simple but robust, predominantly concrete, granite, aluminium and glass. Conran and Partners’ approach has employed equally authentic materials – including terrazzo, metal, timber and leather – to create new interventions.

The shell and core work was undertaken by Ian McArdle Architects. Lighting ladders – developed in conjunction with Zumtobel – have been inserted into the exposed concrete slab. These direct light onto the concrete and help to accentuate the aesthetic of the original material.”