We’ve turned what was once an NCP car park in the basement of a central London art deco building into a bespoke high-spec office – our new office, in fact.
One of our top priorities was flooding the subterranean space with natural light. First, we turned the vehicle ramp into a series of stepped platforms covered by a translucent ETFE canopy – this has become a bright, welcoming space used for meetings and presentations and as a gallery showcasing our latest models. We also turned the rear lightwell into a small sunken garden and installed a large glass rooflight, both of which let in a substantial amount of daylight.
Another priority was retaining the building’s existing features for a sustainable build, from the exposed pipes and time-worn concrete columns to the multi-pane windows and yellow paintwork details. We were keen to uphold our democratic working style, so we designed an open-plan layout, with no hierarchical desk arrangements or private offices. Our project hubs – circles of high desks clamped onto the industrial columns – embody both these aspirations.
This new studio accommodates more than 170 of us. Its bespoke, innovative, open-plan design celebrates who we are and what we’re here to do: to design the best buildings, places and spaces in the world.
Bringing in natural light
A lightweight, translucent ETFE canopy spans the entrance ramp and creates a bright and welcoming space. Together with a central atrium and lightwell courtyard garden, it draws plenty of natural light into the studio.
We are delighted to welcome Make to its new studio, which offers an inspiring and dynamic model for a creative workspace.
A high-spec setup with an industrial feel
Many of the original features from the car park were retained, including the timeworn columns, exposed brickwork, concrete walls and 1930s Crittal windows, which required only minor restoration.
