An elevated workplace

We teamed up with TP Bennett, Cundall, Bigham Anderson Partnership (BAP) and Buro Four to deliver a new home for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in the prestigious Governor’s House, right in the heart of London.

Project partners

  • Buro Four
  • Bigham Anderson Partnership
  • TP Bennett
  • Cundall
  • Heyne Tillett Steel

Project description

Overbury was tasked with the refurbishment of Governor’s House, the new London headquarters for the internationally renowned law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. The works involved a complete category B fit out of the entire building encompassing over 125,000 sq ft. Many of the existing installations were updated to bring the building up to a higher standard suitable for BCLP’s new headquarters.

The most dramatic transformation of Governor’s House is the eight-storey cantilever staircase which climbs up from the atrium through the core of the building. The new staircase allows light flooding in through the spectacular glass ceiling to pour into every floor, whilst also enabling the fluid movement of staff and clients throughout the building.

Sticking to the original

While many of the alterations to Governor’s House required the installation of new systems, our client wanted the refurbishment to preserve as many of the building’s original mechanical and electrical systems as possible. This recycling approach meant that our testing of existing equipment was especially thorough in order to determine what could be reused. By validating each piece of equipment individually, we were able to draw up a detailed list of options for the client to decide on the extent of the refurbishment.

A variety of spaces

Existing spaces in the building have been updated to suit the collaborative nature of BCLP’s work. Large seminar and meeting rooms are balanced by more intimate quiet rooms and individual working areas. In addition to the professional spaces, we created a client lounge and dining room, a client kitchen and servery staff café to provide a more casual atmosphere when required.

The atrium and reception areas are elegantly framed in muted neutral colours and soft lighting to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere for both staff and clients. Similarly, the lounge and dining areas are decorated with a palette of greens, whites and pale wood which, together with an array of indoor plants, help to create a refreshing and natural environment.

A home for the future

While the project was completed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked closely with the client to ensure they could move from their old premises into their new home at Governor’s House.

The immaculate finish of this breathtaking space is befitting for BCLP’s renowned brand. The new dynamic professional and social spaces reflect the firm’s integrative approach to legal operations. Governor’s House has been transformed into the perfect Central London headquarters that BCLP staff and clients will be proud to inhabit for years to come.

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