The project brought together a highly distinctive retail concept with the careful conservation and transformation of a significant historic building, balancing contemporary intervention with the character and architectural integrity of the existing structure.

The original corner unit had been subdivided and the DNA of the original building lost internally.  We proposed restoring the original internal volume, taking down non-original partitions and ceilings to create two large open plan retail floors, connected by a new staircase.

The project combines two retail units spanning three floors, creating a gallery to showcase Gentle Monster’s sculptures and sunglasses; a UK hub for the retail giant’s international community. The third floor was converted into a studio space for the Gentle Monster team.

New interior elements echoed the quality and craftsmanship of the listed building, such as bespoke bronze staircase and discrete plenum detailing. We also enjoyed collaborating and experimenting with materials such as installing a bound gravel floors, bespoke terrazzo floor finishes, rammed earth walls and plasters.

Working closely with M&E consultants, Max Fordham’s, a new perimeter service strategy was developed to improve efficiency and enable the existing suspended ceilings to be removed, exposing original architectural details.