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Art deco office space that embraces Elsley House's heritage

GPE sought to create two Fully Managed office spaces offering modern functionality and distinct yet cohesive designs for each unit—one featuring a green palette and the other blue—that would appeal to future customers.

Key features

  • Art deco design
  • Exposed brickwork
  • Industrial feel
  • Sleek and uniform design

GPE wanted to transform the third floor of Elsley House in Fitzrovia, London, into two Fully Managed office spaces ready for lease. While individuality in design was key, both spaces needed to reflect the same design language, ensuring they were functional and flexible for future customers.

Elsley House, originally built in 1936, holds significant historical value as an art deco garment factory, and GPE wanted to respect this heritage by incorporating nods to the building’s past into the design. They required a fit out that would blend modern functionality with classic architectural details while providing open plan workspaces, meeting rooms, breakout areas and kitchen points in a prime central London location.

Embracing art deco

To meet GPE's brief, we designed two distinct yet connected office spaces that captured the art deco heritage of the building while providing contemporary, versatile environments for future customers. Each office was given a unique colour scheme, green in one and blue in the other, while maintaining a cohesive design throughout both spaces.

We integrated curved design elements into key aspects of the interior. Bespoke rugs, ribbed table bases, circular lighting fixtures and curved sofas all reference the iconic shapes of the art deco era. The ribbed details run through various elements of the design, from the plant pots to the teapoint counters, further connecting the spaces.

One of the standout features of the fit out is the discovery of original exposed brickwork behind a riser panel. We preserved and showcased this historic feature in both the open plan areas and the meeting rooms, adding authenticity and character to the modern design.

We have paid meticulous attention to the details to make the space feel inviting yet aligned with the distinguishing features of the building. For instance, the level lines in the meeting rooms match the height of the credenzas and glazing, and the teapoint islands have been designed to sit at the same height as the surrounding counters. These small but impactful design decisions created a sleek, modern feel that still honours the building’s history.

Consistently unique

GPE were delighted with the outcome of the fit out at Elsley House. They were particularly pleased with the smooth delivery of the project and how the final design aligned with their overall portfolio while offering something unique. The quality of finishes and the flexibility of the spaces provided a perfect balance of modern function and historical charm.

  • Great Titchfield Street, London
  • 6,000 sq ft
  • SKA Gold

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