Ikon – Alpha Group, London

Text provided by Ikon

After creating u0091the best office in Bristolu0092 for Alpha, the international financial services group asked Ikon to rise to similar heights for its latest fit-out project in Paddington, West London. Intended for an Alpha subsidiary, the workplace needed to combine design continuity from the Bristol project with its own originality and authenticity. Key to the vision and character of the project were spaces such as the boardroom and reception, the auditorium, a 20m-long bar and a golf simulator room. Working with the industrial landscape of the local area, the space is softened by swathes of high-quality joinery, while lighting adds drama and depth throughout.

Ikon brought Alphau0092s attention to the benefits of low density occupation, freeing up more space to benefit employees’ health and wellbeing, as well as introducing more creative and collaborative spaces in place of the traditional desk work space. Encouraging social connection for an ever-growing team was also a key part of the design brief, aided by a large bar and breakout space located in the end point of the building that occupies 20% off the floorplate; this social space has since become the main hub for networking and fostering good relationships.