For the landlord of this prime Russell Square asset, the objective was to create a 6,000 sq ft office space that felt modern, and impeccably finished. LFO was appointed to deliver a full strip-out and CAT A refurbishment that challenged traditional design boundaries. A key architectural highlight was the creation of a new external terrace; LFO managed the structural modifications required to install a new doorway, seamlessly connecting the internal workspace with a private outdoor area—a highly sought-after commodity in the London commercial market.

Aesthetic Innovation: The design brief called for an industrial, exposed-service look, but with a level of tidiness rarely seen in standard fit-outs. To ensure no cables or pipework were visible to the end-user, LFO engineered a bespoke solution: attaching all MEP services tightly to the concrete ceiling slab and then installing a plasterboard ceiling directly below them. By maximising the floor-to-ceiling height and spraying all visible service elements in a sharp black finish against a white plasterboard backdrop, we achieved a clinical, high-contrast aesthetic that maintained the building’s sense of scale while hiding the “clutter” of modern infrastructure.

A defining technical challenge of the project involved the 6,000 sq ft of new raised access flooring. The client’s brief stipulated that every tile must originate from the exact same steel batch to ensure a perfectly uniform, “bright-shining” finish—avoiding the slight tonal variations that often occur during manufacturing transitions. LFO’s procurement team worked directly with the manufacturer to secure a single-batch delivery, resulting in a flawless, mirror-like floor surface that has become a standout feature of the property’s marketing campaign.

Phase 2 of the project shifted focus to the building’s basement, where LFO transformed existing car park space into a premium “End of Journey” hub. This 10-week phase involved the construction of a 40-person male and female luxury shower complex and a secure storage area for 200 bicycles. This was a significant engineering undertaking, requiring the installation of entirely new underground drainage systems and a dedicated power distribution network. By delivering these high-demand amenities, LFO has fundamentally increased the building’s value and its appeal to the modern, health-conscious London workforce.