71 High Holborn, WC1V

Devising the office space

With technology at their core, Playtech’s commitment to quality and innovation had to be reflected throughout their new space. They were focused on creating a space that can integrate their people into a balanced work environment and could include a smart client-facing meet and greet space, and large and relaxing staff break-out areas.

The refurbishment process consisted of two phases that took a total of 26 weeks to complete. The first phase focused on adapting the existing Cat B office space on the 1st and 3rd floors with a full strip-out of the ground floor back to core. The second design and build fit-out phase took 18 weeks and focused on a full Cat B fit-out of the ground floor space.

A design and build fit-out with a clear vision

The design scope was to create a tangible representation of the clients’ values, ethos and the technological aspects that drive their business. Through a series of interviews, meetings, and workshops our design team produced a set of concepts and then worked closely with our specialist sub-contract team to co-ordinate the services into a full working design. Our M&E team worked with us during the entire length of the process, during which they designed and installed completely new M&E systems.

Having stripped back the old “end of life” heating and cooling systems and removed the old, dated lighting we installed new fan coils, new LED lighting throughout, new data cabling and carried out the security wiring for the clients in house security contractor. The landlord’s incumbent contractors were appointed to design and reconfigure the fire alarms and sprinkler systems to suit the new layout.

The building that hosts the new workplace offered us the opportunity to create a unique concept that emphasizes the clients’ business culture from the main entrance. We removed the ceilings to reveal the structural slab which at 5.5 meters high makes the space instantly feel impressive. The use of LED lighting with the coloured LED wayfinding light and the feature noughts and crosses pendants then create interest in this 18 ft. high “cathedral to technology”.  We installed full-height crittall style partitions to create a showroom space, meeting rooms and private offices and constructed a large break-out area and iconic reception.

The client wanted an industrial look and feel so along with other raw finishes, our designers specified a “real” concrete wallpaper in a shuttered finish from Innerspace, which is a practical and affordable technique, to cover the main structural walls. A concrete vinyl floor finish was laid throughout, alongside an opulent carpet from Quadrant in the meeting rooms. And we think that the images, taken by our photographer speak by themselves.

With technology at their core, Playtech wanted a way to showcase their latest products, so we introduced a 12 screen AV wall that is framed using Valchromat wall panels in a black raw finish. This is combined with the concrete wall coverings, real brick slips, faux brick panels, astroturf, and charred timber to provide a soft backdrop to the technology-focused branding.

The concept behind the board rooms was to create three high-quality meeting spaces which can become one large space, simply by opening the folding walls. The height of the slab meant that to expose the services in this area would have been disproportionate, we, therefore, introduced open cell ceilings which create the right perspective in the room whilst allowing the services above to still be visible depending on your line of sight and position in the rooms.

The break-out space was deliberately separated from the reception and working areas, to keep a healthy and productive balance. The design of that space naturally invites people into this fun, relaxing environment. To create this feeling we’ve combined textures, with different layers and colour tones using the same group of finishes we used throughout the client areas but adding some more fun with photo walls and games areas. Throughout the project we worked closely with the client, making sure we met their needs and expectations, changing quickly as management needs were realised. As with all projects, health and safety and communication between all parties involved were key.

Regular meetings with the client, our project team, suppliers and sub-contractors lead to a successful design and build fit-out project that both the client and we are delighted with.