AMA has repurposed an 18th century listed Georgian townhouse for use as a private family office in Mayfair, London. The brief was to create a headquarters that could accommodate large meetings and events, whilst simultaneously providing private offices and team working spaces. A core challenge was to adapt the demands of a modern office within six relatively small floor plates yet ensure that the historical character of the building was restored and celebrated.

AMA revisited the original Georgian floor plans to re-establish the order and proportion of the internal spaces. The two storey rear extension and lift shaft were removed, the rear facade and bay window reinstated and the mansard roof was rebuilt.

In order to restore the circulation within the building, the existing Edwardian oak staircase was remodelled to work within the original stair compartment and a large frameless rooflight was added to bring natural daylight into the heart of the building. While the existing service passages were adapted to create a new lift shaft, connecting the front and rear rooms.

The refurbishment of the key period rooms began by restoring the original plasterwork, wall mouldings and skirtings, with bespoke joinery pieces introduced as freestanding furniture. The traditional wainscoting was reinterpreted in order to define the workspaces using flush oak panels, which simultaneously conceal services and provide a robust wall finish.

Materials were selected for their timeless quality, echoing those present in the original building. A palette of natural oak, stone and plastered walls provides abackdrop for the Deirdre Dyson fitted carpets. Through her use of bold geometric designs, Lady Dyson developed the scheme to bring contrast and complimentary accent colours to define and enhance the individual rooms.


QS



Location: Mayfair, London, UK
Year: Completed 2018
Photography: Simone Bossi
Bespoke Rugs: Deirdre Dyson