Dezeen Magazine

Multi-level wooden structure frames meeting areas in London office by Threefold Architects

A 64-metre-long wooden structure was designed by Threefold Architects to create secluded workspaces, staircases and informal meeting areas inside this shared office building in south-east London.

The Bridge by Threefold Architects

Known as The Bridge, the multi-level structure slots into a double-height space, uniting the two main office floors of the building that houses the headquarters for Bathroom Brands and fellow bathroom company Crosswater.

The Bridge by Threefold Architects

"Conceived as a continuous folded surface, the 'bridge' is constructed from pre-fabricated cross-laminated timber," said Jack Hosea of Threefold Architects, whose past projects include a London record store and a countryside art studio.

The Bridge by Threefold Architects

"It bridges between floors, encouraging horizontal and vertical movement across the office, connecting employees, departments and companies and creating a variety of spaces to meet, work and interact within," he added.

The Bridge by Threefold Architects

At the lowest level of the structure, a series of small booths are sunken down below floor level. Featuring bright green upholstery, each one can accommodate one or two people at a time for quiet working or one-to-one meetings.

The Bridge by Threefold Architects

A mezzanine level sits between the two storeys, framing a series of slightly larger meeting areas, including a set of wide steps that function as the seating area of an informal lecture space.

The Bridge by Threefold Architects

Around 400 laser-cut wooden fins cover the surrounding walls and ceiling. These provide acoustic baffles, but also conceal service ducts and electrical cabling.

The Bridge by Threefold Architects

Lighting fixtures sit between the white-painted fins, while fluorescent tubes hang vertically to offer additional illumination.

The Bridge by Threefold Architects

Threefold Architects' renovation also included the addition of a cafe and terrace, including a bar known as "the man cave". These spaces can be used by both staff and visitors.

The Bridge by Threefold Architects

Beyond the new office floor, London studio Coppin Dockray Architects has designed a new bathroom showroom, featuring an oval-shaped entrance chamber and a shimmering chandelier installation.

Photography is by Charles Hosea.


Project credits:

Fit Out Architect: Threefold Architects
Main Developer: Prologis
Project Manager: Savills
Structural Engineer: RPS Planning & Development (Main building), Aecon (Bridge)
Main Contractor: Winvic
CLT Contractor: Construction al Timber
Building Services: Walter Miles Electrical Engineers Ltd
Building Control: Salus

The Bridge by Threefold Architects
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