The building has a colourful history; originally the site of a church, Brock House was built as the Philharmonic Hall playing host to jazz orchestras in the early 1900s. By the 1930s, it was reopened as a grand cinema, and later became an automotive showroom, all of which have influenced the design concept created in collaboration with renowned architects, SODA Studio.
Spanning 27,818 sq ft across eight floors, The Office Group (TOG) development is situated on Great Portland Street, close to Oxford Circus. The ground floor is surrounded by floor to ceiling showroom style windows, while luxurious curtains help to transform open spaces from communal, collaborative workspaces to intimate meeting spaces if preferred.
Each TOG workspace is distinctive by design, embracing its cultural heritage to give every building its own unique character. With materials and fixtures inspired by the golden age of car design and moviegoing, hints of chrome run throughout the space alluding to the Brock House of the 1930s.
A striking reception desk clad in Rosso Alicante marble occupies the lounge, topped with brushed metal. This is continued in the knurled metalwork that features throughout, from the stair balustrades to the handles of the cupboards and doors.
A palette of warm tones was used to decorate the interiors, with a rich burgundy punctuating the corridors, creating a sense of rhythm between the rooms. SODA Studio also developed bespoke graphics and signage for the spacious shared areas, such as kitchens, the fully-equipped meeting rooms and onsite members gym.
References to the art deco cinema history begin with the building’s core; wrapped in a perpetual pleated curtain, which then reveals a lighter terrazzo lined lobby within. Warm tones were used to decorate the interior, with burgundy punctuating the corridors creating a sense of rhythm between the rooms. SODA Studio also developed bespoke graphics and signage for the spacious shared areas, such as kitchens, the fully-equipped meetings rooms and onsite members gym.
A mansard roof extension spans the top level, providing additional amenity spaces and dramatic views across the capital. This level welcomes an abundance of natural light that streams through wraparound windows that can be opened up to create a space akin to an internal terrace.
TOG and SODA’s innovative design approach to Brock House also reflects the evolving needs of the workforce: meeting rooms are fitted with video conferencing capabilities, while private, soundproofed phone and focus booths are designed for better acoustics. TOG has added further private and semi-private spaces for calls and focused work. The property has also been fitted with an advanced air handling system in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This richly detailed building brought with it a wonderful history of different uses to inspire a series of contemporary workspaces and communal areas. We wanted to create a space that stands its own ground in relation to its notable BBC neighbour. The result is a delicately balanced interior that reflects the high-end surroundings of the West End." Russell Potter, Director at SODA Studio