Composite Space
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Composite Space
William Tozer Associates (website) Download Original
The project encompasses the internal fit-out of an existing retail space at ground level in the East Wing of Somerset House, to provide for a deli, cafe and wine bar
The project composes spatial and formal moves developed through designs for three previous sites. Yorkstone cladding to the service counters, bars and seating recalls the floor material of the first site, while the drain grating to these same elements further extends this design strategy—connoting street food by making direct material connections to the street. The drain grating and mirrors also reference the work and criticism of the architect Adolf Loos in Vienna in the early twentieth century.
Elongated bars and counters reinforce the illusion of spatial continuity between the two front rooms that is created by the mirrors positioned at high level. The service counter turns a right angle in one of the front rooms before continuing into the rear room, which is visually connected by glimpsed views and a continuity of material palette and lighting. Strip lighting reinforces the arrangement of the small-scale sculptural elements in the space.
Data
- Begun: Oct 2011
- Completed: Nov 2011
- Floor area: 150m2
- Sector: Retail
- Total cost: £120,000
- Tender date: Sep 2011
- Procurement: JCT Minor Works Building Contract
- Address: East Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: William Tozer Architecture & Design
- Client: Fernandez & Wells
- Building Contractor: DuBoulay Contracts