LONDON CENTRAL LONDON GENERAL TRANSPORT HQ

Services:

ARCHITECTURE
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
STRUCTURAL CONSULTANCY
PLANNING CONSULTANCY
NOISE CONSULTANCY



BACKGROUND
The Go-Ahead Group plc wanted a new HQ for London Central London General Transport, which provides public bus services across London.

They acquired the famous Kings Head Public house on Merton High Street & engaged PENSON to obtain planning consent for the change of use to offices. The pub had flooded basements & was generally in a very poor state. The internal layout was very fragmented whilst upper floors resembled a rabbit warren of small rooms with many corridors.

Combining our structural & design expertise, we explored simple ideas to open up the entire structure, punching apertures through structural floors & roofs to punch light into the heart of the building.

To reduce costs we eradicated all suspended ceilings & used the exiting soffits. We also wanted to eliminate all air conditioning grilles so devised a coffer system that disguises all ductwork, grilles & mechanical equipment.

To compliment the high ceilings, we designed the first ever LG3 compliant decorative pendant fitting which is used throughout the HQ.

The project was completed in 2006 & was runner up for Best Office Project of the Year at the Mixology Awards 2006.