abrdn, City of London

The brief:

Thanks to a collaboration with TMD Building Consultancy, MPL was asked by abrdn – a global investment company listed on the London Stock Exchange and headquartered in Edinburgh – to complete a two-floor, Cat A+ office fitout London on Middlesex Street, located between Aldgate and Liverpool Street.

The brief was to transform the space into a turnkey ready office that could be rented out quickly as possible for a speedy return on investment. The building had been unoccupied for some years – one floor was already stripped out while the other needed the remnants of the past tenant removing. Despite the condition, both floors possessed bags of character and featured some interesting structural elements that needed to be retained.

Our remit was to give the initial two floors as much appeal as possible, while keeping the warehouse feel. The space demanded a layout that would accommodate new approaches to work, offered together with a first-class services pack and a full furniture suite that would allow a business to move in and set up from day one.

Our approach:

With all our Cat A+ commercial office refit projects, a site survey, accurate measurements and a full set of technical drawings were vital. In the case of arbdn, who was the client but not the final occupant, the emphasis was on creating a ‘turn up and plug in’ office. Our technical remit included all new heating, comfort cooling, lighting, power and data supplies.

To accommodate agile working methods and create a productive atmosphere, MPL incorporated a number of different zones to suit different tasks, with the same special blueprint applied across both floors. Larger spaces were divided using new glass and metal stud partition walls, which offer varying degrees of privacy and soundproofing, while changes in floorcovering also help to create distinctions between areas.

At the heart of each floor in an open plan office zone to seat 20 employees, set across three desk clusters. The two large desk groupings feature planter-topped storage cupboards and light pendants suspended above.

Two informal meeting areas per floor, denoted by the use of soft seating, rugs and statement light pendants, provide space to chat and brainstorm. There’s also a breakout area for more structured, collaborative work – with 10 stools set around a conference-style meeting table. This area also features a feature wall with black slat detail and an LCD TV screen. Privacy is provided in the shape of a 10-person boardroom, complete with a large LCD screen, and two smaller meetings rooms. A fitted kitchen with a dining area completes each floor.

An industrial revolution

The overriding design feature MPL had to accommodate was the exposed brickwork. Thankfully, it was in excellent condition and set the tone for a soft, muted colour palette that allowed the building’s original character to shine through.

In keeping with the warehouse feel, MPL chose an exposed plenum void ceiling and repainted the existing steel work black. This was echoed in the choice of black framed glass partitions and black furniture details.

Colour inspiration came from the natural world, with sea blues, mossy greens and pebble greys creating a calming yet inspiring backdrop. The feel was amplified with notes of biophilic design – groupings of lush houseplants in the informal meeting areas, ceiling-suspended planting over the breakout tables and greenery atop the cupboards in the open plan areas.

Additional elements

To ensure both floors were truly turnkey ready and able to generate rental income from day one, MPL completed a full redecoration, specified and built all furniture, installed light fittings and pendants, added ample storage, accessorised with soft furnishings and artwork, and fitted window blinds.