Details
Project Details
Location
30 St Mary Axe, London
Client
CBRE
Completion
October 2020
Project Value
£250,000+
Sector
Commercial / Special Projects
Duration
9 Weeks
Environment
Occupied high-profile commercial building
Overview
Project Overview
KPS, in partnership with CBRE, tendered and procured a reception joinery upgrade at 30 St Mary Axe, widely recognised as The Gherkin.
The existing reception desk elements had been in place since the original build in 2004. The new reception design, created by Foster & Partners, was developed to reflect the circular nature of the building, requiring a high level of precision, coordination and specialist fabrication.
Challenges
The Challenge
The project involved working within one of London’s most recognisable commercial buildings, where the reception area remained a critical part of the building’s daily operation.
KPS was required to take forward the design brief and coordinate specialist suppliers to manufacture and install bespoke reception desk pods, planter seats and associated mechanical and electrical elements within an occupied, high-profile environment.
Refurbishment
Scope of Works
The works focused on creating and installing new bespoke reception elements that aligned with the design vision and architectural character of the building.
Key Works Included
Removal of existing reception desk elements
Manufacture and installation of two reception desk pods
Manufacture and installation of four planter seats
Coordination with Foster & Partners design brief
Collaboration with Johnson Bespoke
Coordination with Kikukawa Metals in Japan
Associated mechanical and electrical works
Two-phase installation within the occupied reception area
Installation
Specialist Supplier Coordination
KPS worked closely with Johnson Bespoke and Kikukawa Metals in Japan to bring the Foster & Partners design to life.
This required detailed coordination between teams in Japan and Hastings to ensure the materials and finishes aligned seamlessly when the final build took place in the UK.
Coordination
Phased Installation in an Occupied Reception
Once the new elements were ready for installation, KPS took possession of the occupied reception area across two phases.
This allowed the old reception desks to be removed and the new pods, planter seating and associated services to be installed with minimal disruption to the building’s site team and occupants.
Result
The Result
The works were completed on programme and with minimal disruption to the operation of the building.
The completed reception upgrade provided a refreshed, design-led front-of-house environment that remained in keeping with the architectural identity of 30 St Mary Axe.
CALL TO ACTION
Planning a High-Profile Commercial Refurbishment?
If you are planning a commercial refurbishment, reception upgrade or specialist fit out within a live building, KPS can provide the coordination and delivery experience required.