Squire & Partners take cues from history at latest Fora workspace

Welcomed in through a striking, double-height reception, the unique space makes a warming impression from the moment you step through the door. The interior design celebrates the building’s rich history and authentic materiality, complemented by contemporary features and finishes. The work also enhances sustainable operation through initiatives such as new glazing, a new VRF system and sensor control lighting.

Dating back to the late 19^th Century, the original building was formerly the warehousing, storerooms and food halls of the iconic Army and Navy store. Collaborating with Fora and Modus Workspace, Squire & Partners has reimagined the building with elegant gestures to its history. Striking, vaulted ceilings at the lower ground and cast-iron columns have been restored along with the original steel doors in the arched entryways.

Works have introduced additional glazing to the façade and a large, Victorian roof light has been restored to flood the space with natural light. The design also preserves the original, glazed and decorative tiles, and brickwork; in keeping with the iconic Victorian warehouses and red-brick, industrial architecture of the area.

 “The revival of Victoria, Greencoat Place sought to reveal and exploit its rich history and context with modern interventions that complement the existing character and details,”comments Tim Gledstone, Partner, Squire & Partners. “The result is an optimal and greatly-varied, flexible workspace located in a thriving and accessible part of London, which will create a special experience for Fora’s Residents.”

A light colour palette has been used throughout, including tiles, stains and textures. Timber paneling, terrazzo flooring and steel chequered plate flooring in the lift complement the industrial feel of the space, and materials have also been locally sourced where possible to reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Victoria, Greencoat Place creates a unique experience, uniting a collection of different spaces and work settings designed for comfort and enhanced productivity. With wellbeing in mind, the space features a fitness studio, secure cycle store and luxurious showers and changing facilities, and Fora’s signature, biophilic design. The transformed development brings 32,400 sq ft of light, bright workspaces for businesses seeking their own private floor.

“It’s a beautiful, fascinating building and has survived a lot through the years, including the blitz bombings of WWII,” says Fora’s Katrina Larkin. “It was important to us that the workplace embraced the rich, unique heritage of this special place.”

The launch of Victoria, Greencoat Place is the latest affirmation of Fora’s current momentum. From its first location in Old Street in 2017, the business has expanded across London and Reading with the announcement of an expansion into Oxford and Cambridge, coming soon.