The Department Store
Architect: Squire and Partners
Dramatic lives can be read on the faces of those living them. That’s true for buildings too.
Squire and Partners spectacular new home in Brixton now displays its colourful history with pride: from grand Edwardian origins to the scars left by squatters.
We were invited to provide much of the furniture for this lovingly re-imagined structure. All four storeys. About 500 bespoke pieces. 95 tons of high grade birch plywood alone. So, just on sheer bulk, this was one of our biggest jobs. But, actually, what made it special was the close creative partnership with Squire in realising our part of their vision.
The building was originally part of Britain’s first purpose built department store. Then followed soulless office conversions, squatters and the final shame of derelict dilapidation. Now, each layer of that past has been peeled back within a breathtaking modern transformation.
Floors have been opened to form vaulting spaces, topped by a whole new level and a spectacular glazed dome. The renovation uncovered wonderful original features. Many have been fully restored and incorporated.
What’s been preserved chronicles a journey through time. There’s the ‘decayed decadence’ of verdigris on old metalwork, faded layers of paint and historic damage. Squire also retained examples of graffiti left by former ‘tenants’ – those squatters could be pretty artistic. Naturally, some things had to go – including a number of fine old pine joists. Loath to skip them, Squire asked us for ideas on finding them a new role.
Seeing the complex swirling end grain patterns, we suggested they’d make a gorgeous veneer for a multi-purpose showcase surface. 1500 cuts went into the six metre table pictured. Its leaves separate and link seamlessly in various configurations for meetings, displays or dining.
However, our top priority was creating a home for Squire’s 150 staff within this amazing architectural Tardis. The Squire team was fully engaged with the detail for all the office furniture. That was fantastic.
The original brief came in 30 separate design files. What followed was an evolution of ideas. We welcomed them to the workshop during development and prototyping perhaps more often than on any previous commission. Between us, those designs were repeatedly tweaked, revised and improved. The result…
In all, we supplied:
220 desks, half with overhead storage.
70 standalone storage units.
Extended printer and resource areas.
Other bespoke tables, desks, credenzas and individual items
Nearly everything is modular, moveable and adaptable. Desks link without requiring tools. Cabling is dead easy.
The Department Store remains a work in progress for Squire. After contributing to its dramatic history, we’re looking forward to being part of its exciting future too.
