HBA have been appointed by Longmartin to refurbish 2no. properties that form part of the St. Martin's Courtyard development in the heart of Covent Garden

 

The 2no. buildings, 14 Upper St. Martins Lane and 10 Slingsby Place have different aspect and DNA and HBA have therefore worked up 2no. different designs aiming to reinforce the positive aspects of both existing buildings - evolution, not revolution.

 

14 Upper St. Martin's Lane has a formal stone frontage onto one of the main arteries serving Covent Garden and the has a sophisticated feel. This is reinforced by a small, but characterful existing reception and main stair.

 

The sinuous metal staircase with solid black steel balustrades offset by warm walnut wall panelling and limestone flooring is a great existing feature and HBA saw no reason to change it, instead using this existing palette to inspire the materiality of the dual-aspect office floors.

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Existing metal-framed doors and partitioning has been replaced with walnut timber doors and frames and structure and feature mesh ceilings are highlighted with a subtle green palette reinforced with planting 

 

A simplified servicing strategy has helped to raise ceiling heights to the front of the building to over 3m and the WCs have been refurbished.

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The small reception area is slightly reconfigured to create slightly more space and the use of wall mirrors further enhance the feeling of space and drama.

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10 Slingsby Place is set within the St. Martin's Courtyard and the visibility of the existing entrance suffers from the increased activity in this area. 

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A new canopy and glazed entrance screen improves this visibility and the larger reception is refurbished in a palette of cool, robust materials along with strong accents of colour that continue through the building.

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On the office floors, castellated beams have been exposed and highlighted along with a new mesh ceiling that maximises the feeling of height on this relatively low floors.