abrdn
The global investment company, abrdn, has recently relocated its London team to one of the most prestigious addresses in the City of London, Bishopsgate.
The new and improved office space is spread across three floors of the 13-story building, occupying the ground, first, and second floors.
Pioneering Design
First impressions are crucial and abrdn’s reception area does not disappoint.
The client wanted to create a front-of-house styled entrance giving visitors a special experience, and the reception certainly delivers.
Showcasing a bespoke marble desk that contrasts perfectly with the two-story, warm wood paneling featured behind it.
This backdrop features beams spaced at exactly 125mm on a 60-degree angle, resulting in a dynamic effect when viewed from different areas of the ground floor. Made from Starlite and MDF, veneered with a European vertical grain oak, the space projects an understated, elegant feel.
Completing the space is a bespoke, kinetic metal wall sculpture showcasing the abrdn logo, which was made using metal discs that reflect incoming light and attract attention from those entering.
Despite the new location, the essence of the abrdn brand remains very much visible.
The Design
From coat shelving to spacious tea points, this 40,000 sq ft project consists of multiple aspects of joinery.
Not to mention a 20 ft long, curved banquette seating located on the first floor, placed parallel to a sister banquette seating in the open plan area. Both were manufactured with our sustainably sourced timber and completed with two contrasting finishes.
The low fascia was finished with a dark Fenix whilst the timber backrest was veneered with a European crown oak, maintaining the use of beautiful natural materials in a soft colour palette.
Sustainability was key throughout this project, with a local supply chain used throughout.
A Modern Workplace
The beating heart of a large office is created by centralised zones.
Across all three floors, abrdn has reacted to the ever-changing office design trends and work patterns and prioritised creating multiple areas that promote collaboration and support hybrid working.
The use of an open floor plan with soft seating areas gives employees from all departments of the company an alternative space for working and socialising away from the traditional deskwork patterns in the finance industry.
We were delighted to work on this fantastic project alongside a dedicated supply chain, allowing us to have delivered an impressive end result for the client.
