Style recently revolutionised the new London office of global law firm, Barker McKenzie, with the installation of multiple moveable wall systems. The project, designed with architect Hassell and contractor Mace Interiors, enhances space flexibility in a multifunction area and on the terrace floor which boasts expansive city views.
In the multifunction space, Style installed three Skyfold vertically rising walls and a Dorma Huppe Variflex ComfortDrive glazed wall. This innovative combination creates a self-contained room in an open plan area and is the first time Style has used Skyfolds to abut the ends of a glass moveable wall, with a third Skyfold further dividing the space.
On level 11, a semi-automatic Dorma Huppe glazed wall transforms the terrace area into a private dining or meeting space, without obstructing the vista.
Elsewhere, Style installed two more glazed Variflex moveable walls and three solid Variflex walls, enhancing the adaptability of the company’s meeting suites, making this a truly adaptable office.
With 70 international offices, Baker McKenzie provides a wide range of legal and tax services and the new London office, at 280 Bishopsgate, is a key hub in their network. Prioritising a culture that promotes collaboration, the office has been designed with intelligent workspace that aims to enhance employee and client engagement.
Michael Porter, Style’s managing director, explains:
“To divide the multifunctional space, the fully automatic glass Variflex slides across to form the outer periphery of the conference room, creating a new corridor with pass doors.
“The two Skyfolds then descend automatically from the ceiling to form the end walls with a final Skyfold being lowered from within the ceiling cavity in the middle of the room to further sub-dividing the area.
“As a fully automated solution this configuration of moveable walls delivers some serious wow-factor as they move into position. This is not only a highly dynamic space solution but a real showcase in office design too.”
The Skyfolds in the conference room offer phenomenal 60dB acoustic ratings whilst the glazed moveable walls provide a 52dB rating, ensuring meetings and client functions can take place in complete privacy when the walls are in place.