We were asked to improve the entrance sequence, reception area, and ground floor common areas of an office building in Ealing, and to provide new cyclists’ facilities.

The existing reception space was double height but small in plan, and lacking any waiting or breakout areas.

The project was undertaken while the building was still in use. This meant that it had to be carefully phased and access for tenants maintained at all times. A temporary fire strategy had to be put in place for the duration of the works. New construction between the existing building’s two accommodation wings had to negotiate a web of existing underground services.

By expanding the entrance into a vacant unit at either side, a much more generous reception was created. The new reception is finished in fluted plaster and acoustic fabric wall panels. A new glazed façade to the entrance and glazed internal doors allow views through the refurbished spaces.

A brick volume containing shower and changing facilities for cyclists was built in the space between the two main accommodation wings at the rear of the building. A new breakout area and incidental workplace was created in the space between this new block and the existing building. A glazed roof covers this space, linking the existing building with the new cyclists’ facilities.