Rooftop pavilion completes hard working office renovation

Project: 78 St James's Street

Location: London, United Kingdom

Award: Workspace Interiors: Corporate Offices (Over 10,000 sqm), Gold, 2023

Design Practice: Squire & Partners

Client: Bentall Green Oak

Squire & Partners’ sensitive refurbishment and extension of 78 St James’s Street comprises a Grade II* listed Victorian structure built in the 1840s, and a modern extension, added in 2001 (and also carried out by Squire & Partners).

Twenty years after this initial intervention, the latest building restructure has enhanced connectivity between the heritage element and the west wing extension. The reception has been doubled in frontage, and a rooftop pavilion and garden have been added. Internally, finishes have been meticulously considered. Generous, state-of-the-art amenities have been sensitively incorporated into Grade II* listed areas, reinstating the remarkable spaces the building was originally designed to offer. Eight floors of flexible, state-of-the-art workspace located in the newer west wing have been refurbished.

Design highlights

On the sixth floor, former plant areas have been consolidated and rationalised to enable the creation of a 3,500 square foot rooftop pavilion and planted terrace. Furniture and integrated seating create a multi-use space suitable for meetings, socialising and events. Internally, the new pavilion features banquette seating and a bespoke bar, providing an additional work environment away from the desk.