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Ben Adams architects has completely reinvented a dated office building next to Tech City’s Old Street roundabout. Albert House is now a truly flexible and visually appealing space, designed for The Office Group (TOG).
The Office Group has built a strong reputation as a pioneer in London’s booming co-working market. Their new space in Shoreditch couldn’t afford to rest on its laurels and Ben Adams Architects decided to mix the brand’s contemporary workspace solutions with the style of 1920s speakeasies and their cool, relaxed interiors.
Ben Adams describes the project as “a bespoke building for tech city; a workplace, somewhere to meet, learn and to grow your company. A secret interior world behind a striking facade makes for a special place in which to work.”
The building’s dark facade hides its interior world just like the speakeasies that inspired the architects. On entering through a simple doorway, visitors are greeted by a large open reception area (below) and bar. A sky-lit void fills the space with daylight from the five floors above. The second entrance on Singer Street leads into a newer section of the building. This comprises two shop front offices which showcase the talents of the companies that use the space.
Albert House’s new tenants range from freelancers needing deskspace and an address to breakthrough businesses, SMEs and larger corporate names such as BGL (Compare the Market). The upper floors provide spaces for growing businesses from two to 20 people.
The various workers and their different work styles are catered for by drop-in workspaces, fixed desks, meeting/conferencing rooms and a shared workroom. They can also enjoy the bar, lounge, a gym and plenty of bike storage. Two roof gardens on the third floor and sixth floor provide a space to get away and enjoy views out across the east London skyline.
Read more: Why gyms are the new workplaces
A screening room fills a void above an underground substation and can be used for movies and presentations. This floor is connected to the one above by a new delicate metal staircase. The staircase leads workers to a clubroom (below) for agile working, private meetings and quiet collaboration.
The new co-working space is industrial in style but also enjoys many a luxurious finish. Metal screens with repeating geometric patterns continue across floors and walls and the speakeasy design touches used throughout the space creates a unified aesthetic across its different zones.
