Designed as a catalyst for attracting a new generation of occupier to Aldgate, The Relay Building provides sociable and flexible warehouse inspired workspace.
Our client identified an opportunity to attract a new type of occupier to Aldgate and upon acquisition of speculative office space adjacent to the underground station they needed to create an environment that would draw the technology and creative sectors to the area.
At The Relay Building we inherited a fantastic concrete flat slab framed with beautiful circular waxed columns. The concrete provides intrinsic character that sits in contrast to the ‘vanilla’ curtain wall cladding and the challenge was to embrace this on the upper floors and bring it through into the cores and down into the main entrance.
On the upper floors the concrete slab and columns are left exposed and services are carefully coordinated to provide the necessary ventilation and retain a ‘raw’ warehouse effect. The cores are lined in acoustic foam to absorb sound and soften the space.
The client brief was to create greater presence on the main street and provide an engaging entrance hall. We have created a large opening so that the street extends into the reception of the building. This is achieved by incorporating a giant sash and case window (by Vitrocsa; it being one of the first and largest commercial applications in Europe) that remains in the open position during the day. The 6m x 4m opening welcomes you into the foyer where areas to meet and network for the whole building are provided.
The entrance hall walls are clad in Cemento concrete fins, the floor is polished concrete and the ceiling in an acoustic absorbent plaster. Acrylicize were commissioned to create a large communal seating solution which is a replica train carriage and the bespoke reception desk. The blackboard funnel is an opportunity to add art installations, inform occupiers of the latest local events or simply convey messages.
Designed as a catalyst for attracting a new generation of occupier to Aldgate, The Relay Building provides sociable and flexible warehouse inspired workspace.
Our client identified an opportunity to attract a new type of occupier to Aldgate and upon acquisition of speculative office space adjacent to the underground station they needed to create an environment that would draw the technology and creative sectors to the area.
At The Relay Building we inherited a fantastic concrete flat slab framed with beautiful circular waxed columns. The concrete provides intrinsic character that sits in contrast to the ‘vanilla’ curtain wall cladding and the challenge was to embrace this on the upper floors and bring it through into the cores and down into the main entrance.
On the upper floors the concrete slab and columns are left exposed and services are carefully coordinated to provide the necessary ventilation and retain a ‘raw’ warehouse effect. The cores are lined in acoustic foam to absorb sound and soften the space.
The client brief was to create greater presence on the main street and provide an engaging entrance hall. We have created a large opening so that the street extends into the reception of the building. This is achieved by incorporating a giant sash and case window (by Vitrocsa; it being one of the first and largest commercial applications in Europe) that remains in the open position during the day. The 6m x 4m opening welcomes you into the foyer where areas to meet and network for the whole building are provided.
The entrance hall walls are clad in Cemento concrete fins, the floor is polished concrete and the ceiling in an acoustic absorbent plaster. Acrylicize were commissioned to create a large communal seating solution which is a replica train carriage and the bespoke reception desk. The blackboard funnel is an opportunity to add art installations, inform occupiers of the latest local events or simply convey messages.
John McRae
Director