MSL Group Office

Having worked with two different partners at the group in the past on other projects, when it came to refurbishing their new office on Whitfield St, The Vawdrey House was called in to give the space the relaxed and welcoming feel they were after.

SAS and MSL Group were merging and coming together for the first time in a combined office for 200 people. This particular space is only temporary - housing them for approximately 18 months - however, no matter how temporary, they were keen to ensure the office had the right feel.

The ground floor hub offers a cafe, and meeting space, with large meeting tables on wheels which can be pushed together for a large pitch or presentation. Projecting onto a large wall makes this a fantastic impromptu presentation space.

Scope

Workplace redesign

Tight budget

Reclaimed/recycled furniture

Clever intervention with low grade basebuild

Size

1695 sq m

200 people

Services

Interior design

Project management

Furniture & accessories

'Reacting quickly within very short timescales, and working to a tight budget, The Vawdrey House has transformed the space, and everybody loves the new environment.'

The 1695 sq m (18,245 sq ft) office is split over ground, lower ground and third floors, and for this reason it was important to create a central space in which everyone could come together, both for work and social functions, and to provide much needed meeting space.

Armed with only paint we tidied up the CAT A building. Where the harsh office lighting and low grade suspended ceilings did not lend themselves to the creative spaces it was removed, and in its place we exposed the slab above with a scattering of pendant tungsten lamps.

The design makes the best use of the slightly cold, monochrome building. We approached it as an exhibition space - dropping in meeting and team working areas using galvanised Kee Klamp frames to form rooms within the vast spaces and creating atmosphere using vintage furniture, a patchwork of rugs and suspended lighting from the new structures.

'The space meets the brief and feels Professional, Credible, Grown up - but at the same time Cool, Relaxed, Young-at-heart and not overly corporate.'

Naught One furniture used by The Vawdrey House