A Harmonious Blend of Design and Innovation at Whitfield Studios.
In the heart of Fitzrovia, a space steeped in musical history has been reimagined into a cutting-edge workspace. Whitfield Studios, once a legendary recording hub for artists like the Spice Girls and The Rolling Stones, now serves as a state-of-the-art office environment – while still paying tribute to its iconic past.
Spanning 64,000 sq. ft. and completed over 31 weeks, this transformation was a seamless collaboration between BW, Franchi, White Red Architects and Orbit Architects.. Tasked with delivering bespoke glazing solutions across five floors, we blended innovation with nostalgia, ensuring the design complemented both the building’s history and its new functional purpose.
A Symphony of Style and Function.
City Concepts was appointed to design, supply, and install a bespoke glazing system that seamlessly integrates with the architectural vision of Whitfield Studios. Spanning five floors from the ground level to Level 4, the system was carefully considered to create a network of enclosed meeting spaces while preserving the sense of openness and connectivity.
A defining feature of this project was the extensive use of curved glazing, a design element that enhances fluidity and visual continuity throughout the space. Achieving precise alignment between the glazing and the surrounding structure required close coordination with the wider project team to ensure seamless integration.
The system incorporated:
- Concept25 single-glazed partitions, selected for their refined, minimalist aesthetic.
- Concept54 double-glazed partitions, offering enhanced acoustic performance.
- Tech panels, discreetly integrated within meeting room glazing to accommodate room booking displays and control systems.
- RAL 9001 cream-finished glazing framework, introducing a warm, sophisticated contrast to the architectural palette.
For a cohesive finish, all doors were designed as slim, single-glazed units, also finished in RAL 9001, allowing them to blend effortlessly with the surrounding framework. This attention to detail ensured that the glazing system not only performed to specification but also contributed to the overall character of the space.
Striking The Right Notes
With Whitfield Studios’ rich musical heritage, achieving a high standard of acoustic performance was an essential part of the design. The glazing systems were carefully engineered to provide an optimal balance between openness and sound insulation, ensuring that meeting rooms offered both privacy and clarity of communication.
The partitions were designed to meet the following acoustic ratings:
- 38dB Rw for single-glazed partitions
- 42dB Rw for double-glazed partitions
- 36dB Rw for doors
These specifications were selected to enhance sound control across the space, allowing the office environment to function with the same precision as the recording studios that once occupied the building. The result is a workspace that supports focused discussions while maintaining the openness and fluidity of a contemporary office setting.
Curving The Vision into Reality.
The integration of curved glass across multiple levels demanded exacting precision to achieve both aesthetic and functional alignment. City Concepts collaborated closely with BW and their drylining contractor to ensure that each curved opening was formed to the precise tolerances required for a seamless glazing installation.
To achieve this, CNC-cut MDF templates were produced in advance, providing a controlled framework for the drylining teams to construct the openings with absolute accuracy. This meticulous approach ensured that once the curved glass arrived on-site, it was installed seamlessly, mitigating the risk of misalignment and avoiding costly delays to the programme.
A Nod To The Studio Legacy.
A project of this scale isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about storytelling. With Whitfield Studios’ rich recording history in mind, the design team wanted to weave elements of its past into the space.
Room names across the building feature song titles and lyrics, paying homage to the artists who once recorded within these walls. Taking this concept further, the tech panels outside meeting rooms were designed to include ‘ON AIR’ signs, laser-cut into metal and backlit by red lights – replicating the recording studio feel and adding a playful yet sophisticated touch.
A Space That Hits All The Right Notes.
This project proves that great design doesn’t just transform a space – it tells a story. From curved partitions to studio-inspired detailing, Whitfield Studios now embodies a perfect blend of the past and the future, where design and innovation work in harmony.
The success of Whitfield Studios was made possible by the expertise and dedication of BW, Franchi, White Red Architects, and Orbit Architects. This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when technical precision, creative vision, and seamless teamwork come together.
City Concepts | www.cityconcepts.co.uk
Collaborations
Orbit Architects | Orbit Architects
White Red Architects | White Red
Franchi | Franchi Glass
Photerior | Photerior