ISG Proves the Right Call for Skype
ISG has successfully completed an extensive refurbishment covering three storeys of the Grade II listed Waterhouse Square office building in Holborn, providing a stylish new London HQ for Skype, the Microsoft-owned internet communications company.
Completed in two distinct phases to ensure a smooth transition for staff and to accommodate lease breaks in Skype’s former premises, the project involved the refurbishment of 88,000 sq ft of office space over three floors in a prestigious scheme designed by award-winning architects, TP Bennett. The contemporary open plan and cellular office layout maximises natural light in a showpiece headquarters that breaks many traditional corporate interior conventions.
Key to the flow of the office space over three storeys is a complex spiral staircase which dominates a large section of the central accommodation across each floor plate. ISG was closely involved in developing plans for the staircase from the design stage, creating a logistics strategy to take account of the intricate design and structural considerations. Exploratory work was carried out across each floor to identify potential service modifications ahead of the careful removal of requisite sections of the existing floor slab to facilitate construction of the staircase.
The new Skype HQ incorporates multiple offices and meeting room spaces, featuring a range of faceted glass wall partitions and advanced audio-visual systems installed throughout the accommodation. The first floor hosts an ‘ideas lab’ with engineering facilities for Skype’s development team, along with office areas, executive meeting rooms and vending points. ISG created a chill out area, reception and open plan office space, along with a large break out amenity, kitchen and eating areas and a number of formal meeting rooms on the second floor of Skype’s accommodation. The uppermost level features a number of training rooms, executive meeting areas and office space.
Paul Cossell, managing director of ISG’s fit out and engineering services business, commented: “Delivering such a radical design brief within an occupied and architecturally listed building is the type of challenge that we relish, especially when creating outstanding office space that showcases our high-end delivery credentials. The interaction of high specification materials, with innovative layouts and advanced technology works exceptionally well within this context and provides Skype with compelling workspace and a signature London HQ.”
Nick Hann; Tel: 07970 275251; Email: nick.hann@isgplc.com
ISG Plc is an international construction services company delivering fit out, construction and a range of specialist services, with 31 offices worldwide. The company works with owners, developers and occupiers in the public and private sector for an extensive range of industries. ISG Plc was established in 1989 and has been quoted on AIM since 1998. Today the company has a turnover of around £1.3 billion.
For further information about ISG please visit our website www.isgplc.com
