The historic 16 St Martin’s Le Grand in London has undergone a remarkable transformation, reimagined as a state-of-the-art workspace for future tenants. Working with architects Barr Gazetas and project managers Knight Frank, this project seamlessly blended modern design with the rich heritage of a building that once served as a clothing manufacturer’s head office.
Understanding the Vision
The refurbishment aimed to rejuvenate this former clothing manufacturer’s head office while respecting its rich heritage. The client’s objective was to create a modern, flexible workspace with sophisticated textures and carefully selected furniture, ensuring the space appealed to a wide range of prospective tenants. This approach, known as Cat A+, required our expertise to deliver a turnkey solution where future tenants could move into a fully furnished, ready-to-use office, without the input typical in a bespoke Cat B fit-out.
Our Role in the Transformation
We provided furniture consultancy, procurement, layout design, CAD overlays, and finish selections, ensuring the furniture complemented Barr Gazetas’ interior scheme. With a focus on rich hues and refined textures, we curated pieces that balanced modernity with heritage, respecting the building’s historic character while meeting the expectations of today’s office environments.
Sustainability at the Forefront
We proactively integrated sustainability into the project by recommending sustainable finishes and materials, such as those offered by Icons of Denmark, we ensured the furniture contributed to the building’s overall eco-conscious credentials. This proactive approach underscores our commitment to sustainability, aligning with industry standards like the building’s BREEAM Excellent certification.
Furniture That Balances Heritage and Modernity
The carefully curated furniture selection played a vital role in achieving the project’s design and functional goals. Pieces such as NaughtOne’s Morse tables, featuring oak veneer tops and bases, provided a natural warmth that complemented the building’s heritage. Gubi’s Beetle Stools, upholstered in Remix 632 fabric with sleek black matte bases, added a refined contemporary touch to the breakout spaces. The Tip Toe stools by Wendelbo, with seats upholstered in sustainable Mainline Flax fabric and paired with black bases, seamlessly combined eco-conscious materials with elegant design.
These pieces, alongside contributions from brands like Vitra and &Tradition, were chosen for their ability to achieve the neutral yet sophisticated aesthetic required for a Cat A+ project. The result is a selection of furniture that honours the building’s history while ensuring it meets the expectations of diverse, modern tenants.
A Growing Trend: Cat A+
This project reflects the growing demand for Cat A+ office spaces. These ready-to-use solutions bridge the gap between traditional Cat A (bare shell) and Cat B (fully bespoke) fit-outs, offering businesses a high-quality environment without the need for extensive customisation. Our breadth of furniture knowledge and expertise in understanding the balance of style, functionality, and broad tenant appeal positions us as a leader in this evolving market.
