ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Marconi House in London, England by ‘Patalab ArchitectureFebruary 18th, 2015 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: ‘Patalab Architecture Marconi House on the Strand is within a few minutes’ walk to the Royal Opera House, the Courtauld Institute, St Paul’s Cathedral and some of the city’s famous theatres and buildings. Previously the home of Marconi Wireless and Telegraphy Company, it is the very first BBC studio and transmitter, regularly broadcasting from the 7th floor in 1922 and 1923.
Between 2011 and 2013 the Grade II listed building was converted to 86 luxury apartments. ‘Patalab Architecture was commissioned to develop a striking design for the main lobby area, providing a generous entrance space to the apartments. 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. Therefore a material palette was chosen that consists of a richly veined green Marble floor, dark stained Oak, red leather and a warm honey coloured back lit glass wall. The latter 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. 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 pigeon holes 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. Contact 'Patalab Architecture
Categories: Apartments, House |