The brief

To create an urban-cool interior for the staff area within a 33-storey-high, state-of-the-art skyscraper, housing over 1000 students and home to 15 brand new social spaces. The interior and finish had to enhance existing features, while also referencing the heritage and city landscape of the historical, chic Shoreditch area of East London. Elements of the external environment were to be reflected within this ultra-modern space.

What we did

Using the Metropolis resin range, Aliva created a durable yet cool shuttered concrete effect to tone with the existing polished concrete floor and columns, and provide a striking contrast to the old timbered panels.  To take the edge off the minimalist look and provide wow factor, we added a contemporary mirrored element with the marble-effect Old Time Max and Old Time Finish in jet black, over a 40m2 area. This conveyed the area’s heritage and communicated it within an over-arching contemporary framework.

What makes it special

While the dense, cement-based Metrostone resin was perfect for the design, we customised it to match the existing concrete elements and showcase the mirrored, highly reflective components.  The final effect, incorporating a black, grey and white spectrum, was stunning.  With the addition of four works of art on another wall, the minimalist look communicates the essence of an area that is home to neighbouring Spitalfield Market, the Silicon Roundabout and the bustling hub of Liverpool Street Station.