ARK Office Building

Originally designed by Ralph Erskine and Lennart Bergstrom, the ARK office building in Hammersmith, West London opened in 1992 and has since become a landmark in the city’s skyline. It’s particularly known for its iconic curvature and “Crow's Nest” panoramic meeting room.

In 2023, an area of over 14 000 square metres of the office building was refurbished to align with the demands of today’s workforce who desire spaces that are conducive to a healthy work-life balance.

BW and Gensler’s Refurbishment of the London Office Building 

The global architecture firm Gensler designed the spaces, and BW: Workplace Experts were appointed as main contractor for the refurbishment. The interiors had already been stripped back to the shell and core, but the first two levels were occupied for the duration of the works, presenting additional challenges.

The refurbishment concept provides tenants with modern facilities to place well-being and creativity at the centre. Biophilic office features such as abundant natural lighting and ample outdoor spaces further reinforce its human-centric design.

The office building refurbishment includes:

• A transformed reception
• Common areas
• A multi-use amenity café and lounge
• A full-amenity gym
• A bike store
• Underground parking
• Showers and changing facilities

On the top five levels are over 800 square metres of landscaped terraces – equivalent to four tennis courts of landscaped terraces – featuring meandering paths, stone seating, and extensive planting.

Noise Control in the Office Building Refurbishment

“The requirement was to enhance the sound within areas where high footfall and the associated noise generated had the potential to make these environments less than comfortable to be in,” said Rockfon (UK) Specification Manager Alan Davies. “That acoustic control had to come with no compromises to elegance or aesthetics. That’s where Mono Acoustic can really shine.”

Mono Acoustic allows for free-form shapes and easy integration of lighting, air conditioning, and ventilation systems as well as maintenance hatches.

“The versatile system means that complicated profiles, curves, abutments, and architectural detailing can be accomplished, together with the seamless incorporation of lighting, audio, and other mechanical systems. The finished installation delivers a refined, contemporary monolithic surface – perfect for prestigious, modern, multi-use developments such as the ARK,” said George Fernberg, Business Development Manager at PANARC.

The ARK office building is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating with its refurbishment. Rockfon products help achieve higher scores across various green building certifications with their acoustic performance, raw materials, high recycling potential, efficient waste management options, high light reflection, and high light diffusion.