Horseshoe Wharf Lobby Refurbishment

In 2011 we were invited to redesign the entrance lobby area to Horseshoe Wharf Apartments. The challenge set to was to reinvigorate the dated lobby area, creating a vibrant new entrance space with a limited budget and timescale. A diverse group of residents made up the main client body and the project was overseen by the management company. Early in the project, it became apparent that the client was looking for something unusual, the only requirement being to keep the existing staircase and a full height mirror.

The scheme attempted to re-forge a lost link between the old wharf-side warehouse to the Thames and redefine it’s riverside location. The design created a topographical, three dimensional relief map made from1400 oak pegs of various lengths along the 5 metre wall. This reflected the contours of the river basin, with the path of the River Thames depicted in blue pegs.

The location of Horseshoe Wharf is indicated by a bright green peg colour placing Horseshoe Wharf firmly ‘on the map’. Each peg was painted green on the side facing the mirror, using the existing mirror to reflect an alternative view of the installation. The post room was created from oak faced plywood to match the pegs, formed into a gentle curve with a concealed jib door. The space is now unrecognizable from it’s dated former self. The scheme has lifted the space making it both modern interesting and functional, and most importantly the residents are delighted.