An art deco envelope has been transformed into a minimalist London workspace, crafted by the architecture practice SODA (Studio of Design & Architecture). This project, titled Elsley House and situated in a 1920s building on Great Titchfield Street in London’s West End, aims to provide a 21st-century office for Great Portland Estates (GPE). The office space exudes the warmth of the ‘family hearth,’ a centerpiece of the architects‘ vision.
Reviving the Hearth Concept in Elsley House
The idea of the ‘hearth’ anchors this design far beyond a trend of hospitality-infused workspaces. Named after Thomas Elsley, a local metalwork fabricator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the building pays homage through design elements like office tea points as modern hearths. SODA places these at the heart of the space, surrounded by a chic kitchen and communal seating crafted from blue-stained timber tables, embodying the space’s social core. The workplace truly captures this harmonious blend.
For more on contemporary spaces blending old and new, Mile-Long Elevated Walkway in Zhengzhou offers an architectural marvel worth exploring.
A Tailored Workspace: Key Features
This London office features a contemporary, minimalist interior with soothing colors and natural materials. The inclusion of Crittall banding paired with bespoke furnishings—ranging from storage solutions to unique rugs—ensures a personalized work experience. Architect Evelyn Sung from SODA explains, “Everything was centered around the notion of the hearth, a primeval concept. Thomas Elsley provided the historical grounding for us; his understanding of a room and the need for a focal point steered our design.” The project is a prime example of how modern design meshes with historical elements.
Integrating Wellness and History in Office Design
A basement gym with a yoga room draped in a warm Maharam curtain in orangey-peach and an outdoor courtyard featuring patterned tiles and lots of planting highlight the project’s wellness focus. These design elements resonate with the art deco geometry present throughout the building’s façade. The space is exemplary in this regard.
The transformation embodies a fusion of history and modern needs, making it a unique addition to London’s diverse workspace offerings. With this development, GPE has successfully merged elegance and functionality.
The rich history and intricate design in Elsley House can also be seen in Aethos London transformed by Astet Studio, providing a fusion of aesthetic with subtle Japanese touches.
Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
What was the architectural vision for Elsley House?
The architectural vision for Elsley House was to transform a 1920s building into a minimalist London workspace centered around the warmth of the ‘family hearth.’ This theme is reflected in the design elements like the office tea points, chic kitchen, and communal seating, embodying the space’s social core.
How does the design pay homage to Thomas Elsley?
The design pays homage to Thomas Elsley, a local metalwork fabricator, by anchoring the office around the concept of the hearth. This is achieved by incorporating elements like modern hearths and office tea points, providing a historical grounding and focal point for the space.
What wellness features are included in Elsley House?
Elsley House includes wellness features like a basement gym with a yoga room draped in a warm Maharam curtain and an outdoor courtyard with patterned tiles and lots of planting. These elements enhance the project’s focus on wellness while resonating with art deco geometry.