Transforming the Grade II listed Marconi House lobby, this terraced internal promenade merges contemporary design with Art Deco heritage, featuring rich green marble, bespoke fluid furniture, and a striking backlit kiln formed glass wall with dynamic lighting.
Sector
Heritage, Homes
Location
Strand, London
Date
2011-2013
Client
Galliard Homes
Area
285m2
Status
Completed
Conceptual model
Marconi House, an imposing Grade II listed Edwardian building, is situated within the Strand Conservation Area in the heart of London’s exclusive West End. It was originally built as a hotel and restaurant in 1904, designed by Norman Shaw, to serve the Gaiety Theatre next door. The building has a rich history, serving as headquarters of the Marconi Companies from 1912 to 1933 and later as offices of English Electrics. It was from studios on the seventh floor (in 1922 and 1923) that the first radio programmes from the London Broadcasting Station 2LO were broadcast and it was later used as the headquarters for the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Between 2011 and 2013 the Grade II listed building was converted to 86 apartments. Patalab Architects were commissioned to develop a striking design for the main lobby area, providing a generous and welcoming entrance space to the apartments
Terraced Internal Promenade
In response to its prominent central London setting, Patalab designed a terraced internal promenade mediating between street level and the raised level of the lift lobbies. The aim was to create a contemporary interior whilst establishing a link to the Art Deco period, the time when Marconi House was originally constructed. Hence, we opted for a material palette that consists of a richly veined green Marble floor, dark stained Oak, red leather, and a warm honey coloured back lit glass wall.
Terraced internal promenade leading up to curved glass wall
Kiln formed curved glass wall and bespoke reception desk
Kiln formed curved glass wall
Glass Feature Wall
The glass wall forms the central feature of the space and guides the visitors from the street entrance via several platforms to the lifts. It is constructed from 37 bespoke kiln formed patterned glass panels, hold in place by custom-made brass brackets. The pattern has been designed to enhance the dynamic notion of the space and to change the appearance of the wall when walking through the entrance lobby. The glass panels cantilever from a brass clad wall, creating a cavity that enabled indirect back lighting. In close collaboration with Light Bureau, the lighting designers on the project, dynamic lighting scenes were developed that show off the sparkling qualities of the glass and change in accordance the time of the day, creating a responsive interior.
Kiln formed curved glass wall and bespoke reception desk
Kiln formed curved glass wall detail
Kiln formed curved glass wall detail
Bespoke reception desk echoing spatial movement
Bespoke reception desk echoing spatial movement
Bespoke Furniture
Complimenting the rich interior of the lobby, the reception desk is clad in a sumptuous red leather and discreetly lit. The fluid shape was envisaged to support guidance of visitors from the entrance towards the lift lobbies. Custom-made coffee tables and pigeonholes for the residents integrated into the Oak panelled perimeter wall, both designed by Patalab, ensure the functionality of the space and are in line with the holistic design approach.
Green marble echoing existing arched opening
Front elevation entrance
Front elevation
City of Westminster Projects
Marconi House is one of the many heritage schemes for private and commercial clients Patalab has delivered in the City of Westminster. Further Westminster residential projects include Marylebone Mews House, 55 Grosvenor Street, 66 St James’ Street, Clifton Hill House and Chandos Street.
