Norfolk House, 31 St James Square
Steeped in history and located in the heart of London’s West End, Norfolk House St James's Square represents a tasteful blend of heritage preservation and contemporary design. This sophisticated 8-storey office building has been thoughtfully reconstructed to provide a Grade A workspace while retaining the conservation area's rich architectural history.
Designed by Make Architects, the redevelopment features bespoke SAS architectural metalwork, creating unique wall linings throughout the foyer areas in the primary and secondary receptions. SAS was selected by Make to realise their creative vision of feature veil-like linings that serve as sophisticated elements to elevate and accentuate the building's reception areas. Visitors are greeted by the elegantly curated space and drawn towards the concierge desk, setting the scene for a reassured, high quality and welcoming environment.
Using a veil design inspired by the site's royal heritage, the entry-ways incorporate pearlescent white aluminium with a lace-like graduated diamond perforation pattern and striking linear architectural bronze. This delineation creates luxurious lobby spaces that pay homage to the former grand interiors of the Duke of Norfolk's 18th-century residence. Throughout the building's workspace environments, SAS ceiling systems provide the perfect backdrop for prime commercial space, seamlessly integrating with lighting, services, and BMS, while maintaining the refined aesthetic that defines Norfolk House.
Working closely with Westminster City Council, Make and principal contractor Skanska created a new office scheme that reuses materials to reconstruct two neo-Georgian facades while targeting BREEAM Excellent certification. At the heart of the project is a considered and sustainable process that is sympathetic to the existing environs and lends itself to contemporary office requirements.
The project's success stems from close collaboration between all parties involved. SAS worked intimately with Make to deliver the signature wall lining solutions, overcoming challenges through careful planning and study to provide a crafted resolution and achieve the architectural intent. A comprehensive mock-up of the ceiling system and wall panelling was assembled by SAS to ensure every detail met the exacting quality standards required. The benchmark evidenced SAS’s design capability and precision manufacturing with artisanal care and expertise.
The result is a sophisticated, sensitive, and thoughtful design that befits its world-class location in Mayfair – a building that successfully provides a juxtapositional thread between rich historical and cultural significance and a modern, vibrant and urbane commercial offering.
Sector:
Commercial
Client :
Private & Confidential
Architect:
Make Architects
Main Contractor :
Skanska Construction
System Type:
Bespoke
Region :
London, United Kingdom
