Chancery House

History dances with sustainability and modern elegance in the new Chancery House workspace for The Office Group in the heart of London's lively Midtown. The meticulously revitalized eight-story heritage building stands tall as a timeless testament to the city's enduring charm. Perched elegantly atop the labyrinthine London Silver Vaults, an underground treasure trove of the city's rich history, this architectural gem exudes an enchanting fusion of heritage and contemporary design. It's a place where the subtle whispers of time harmonize with the vibrant energy of today, creating a unique atmosphere. Step inside to discover a palette of colors and materials that reflect the city's vibrant tapestry, while the essence of the building evokes a sense of serenity, echoing the ever-evolving rhythm of modern life.

Transcending the conventional concept of an office space, Chancery House stands as The Office Group's most ambitious venture to date – a sprawling 11.600 sqm residence that champions sustainability and boasts WELL & BREEAM certifications, placing flexibility and well-being at the forefront of its design.

Working on their ninth project with The Office Group, dMFK Architects have refurbished, reconfigured, and extended the original building, collaborating with Norm Architects to deliver the interior architecture – together demonstrating the possibility and necessity of a comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing approach to the workplace. Rising eight stories high, this architectural site now stands as a testament to the seamless integration of the old and the new, effortlessly fusing heritage with contemporary design.

Taking a deliberate and thoughtful approach to infuse elements reminiscent of the site’s unique character, the interior design embraces a calming and honest material palette. With features of the existing facade like red brick, sandstone, and concrete, we pay tribute to the architectural legacy while implementing brushed and polished stainless steel as an homage to the allure of the London Silver Vaults – a subterranean market dating back to the 19th century that is nestled just below the Chancery House. Still, the color and material choices extend beyond the building, consciously referencing the wider urban setting to invoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and tactility. This way, we sought to seamlessly integrate the past into the present, mirroring the spirit of the original structure.

On the ground floor, you’ll enter a striking reception area with a homey feel and a tactile materiality. The essence of the exterior seems to have seamlessly transcended into the interior – a symbiosis where the red bricks of the building gracefully extend inward, becoming an integral part of the space as they form steps, floors, and walls.

It is in the reception area where our idea for the building really comes together full force with its curated elements and materials, resulting in a sense of comfort and grounding in the local context. All situated between the courtyards bringing in greenery and an abundance of natural light, we carefully blend the indoors with the outdoors, while timber screens and comfortable seating create relaxed zones for working, connecting, and enjoying.

Recognizing that the world of work has changed since the building’s last incarnation, Chancery House has been consciously developed to deliver real choice in how and where people spend time in the workplace.

A vibrant and welcoming cafe beckons to employees, offering a respite from the demands of the workday. Bathed in the gentle embrace of natural light, the ambiance within is a testament to meticulous design and material choices. The color palette has been carefully selected to mirror the hues and textures of the surrounding cityscape. Soft, earthy tones, create an organic connection between the cafe and the vibrant energy of the city just beyond its windows.

Whether in need of a quick coffee, a quiet corner to catch up on emails, or a communal table to exchange ideas, the ground floor cafe caters to all. It's a place where the city's vitality finds its way indoors.

Descending a magnificent steel staircase, people are led downstairs, embarking on a symbolic journey into the historic Silver Vaults. Shifting from the red hues of the levels above, the bricks used on the floor transition to a more golden tone, signifying a shift in the ambiance and purpose of the space. At the heart of this new setting, an enormous co-working table takes up the space, making a bold statement about the spaciousness and collaborative spirit of the area. It calls for individuals to come together, share ideas, and forge new connections. Yet, this place offers much more than just a communal workspace. You'll discover secluded nooks thoughtfully designed for immersion and quiet conversation, providing a place for those who seek focus, contemplation, or intimate discussions.

Moreover, the space is a testament to The Office Group’s holistic approach to well-being. An impeccably equipped gym invites individuals to maintain their physical health, a wellness area beckons for relaxation and rejuvenation, and a serene yoga studio offers a tranquil space for finding inner balance.

Spread across most floors, you’ll find meeting rooms of different character and size. These are all places for important decisions to be made, ideas to be shared, and collaborations to be strengthened. Moreover, having a quiet environment with minimal distractions helps the team focus and be more productive. Light curtains and lush carpets aren’t just decorative, they help frame the interior while improving the acoustics, which is ever more important today where people tap into meetings from all over the world.

A great deal of care was taken to size and position spaces correctly, to break down the scale, and to offer a huge range of workspace options so that users are constantly able to change the way they work, or to find a particular space that suits them.

The harmonious connection between the interior and exterior is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and the successful collaboration between dMFK Architects and Norm Architects. In essence, the inside and outside of Chancery House are truly intertwined not just through the choice of materials but also through a profound narrative of collaboration and design finesse, creating an atmosphere that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.

Information Details

Architect: dMFK Architects

Interior Architecture: Norm Architects

Contractor: Collins Construction Ltd

Photography: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen & Jake Curtis

Art curation & styling in collaboration with Emma Lynn Archer

FF&E in collaboration with The Office Group

Location: Holborn, London, UK

Total sqm: 11.600

Completed: Summer 2023

Client: The Office Group

www.theofficegroup.com/uk/chancery-house