Aldermore
Broadgate Tower, London
Location
London
Status
Completed 2024
Sector
Commercial
Client
Aldermore
Aldermore’s office at Broadgate Tower marked the beginning of a new chapter in redefining their workplace design, aligning it with their values and aspirations.
Located in one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Broadgate Tower is a striking symbol of modernity and ambition. 165 metres high, the 35-storey skyscraper offers panoramic views of London, making it the ideal base for Aldermore’s operations, just a stone’s throw from Spitalfields, Shoreditch, and Exchange Square.
The ambitious project brief was to create a workspace that would not only support contemporary working practices but also reflect Aldermore’s identity as part of the FirstRand Group. The design needed to integrate their African heritage, promote collaboration, and prioritise employee well-being, all while inspiring creativity and innovation.
Drawing inspiration from Africa’s dramatic landscapes, we used six key geographic typologies as design touchpoints. The Savannah inspired the warm, inviting reception area, where the sunset hues of amber and olive create an immediate connection to the natural world. Terracotta tiles and angular joinery were carefully selected to echo both traditional and modern African architecture.
This was our first collaboration with Aldermore, and we were committed to creating a space that reflects their bold ethos while embracing their parent company FirstRand Group’s African heritage.
Aldermore approached us with a clear, exciting challenge, to design a workplace that supports modern ways of working, with spaces dedicated to well-being, collaboration, and quiet focus. Additionally, they wanted to weave the rich culture of their African ownership into the design.
We brought this vision to life through a combination of colour, texture, form, and planting. The result is a workspace that feels warm, earthy, and undeniably unique, with a bold edge that speaks to Aldermore’s innovative spirit.
Sustainability played a central role in our approach. We found creative ways to reuse the existing fit-out, minimising waste while maintaining the integrity of the design. As our founder, John Williams, puts it:
“The build-and-burn era is over, thank goodness. For us, it’s about taking the time to carefully assess what can be repurposed, while still delivering a bespoke design that truly reflects the client’s values.”
Every project comes with its challenges, and Broadgate Tower was no exception. The unusual floorplate, with its pointed ends in some meeting rooms, pushed us to think outside the box. Meanwhile, the existing grey palette didn’t align with Aldermore’s vibrant personality.
We tackled these challenges head-on, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for creativity. Working closely with CBRE Global Workplace Solutions, we retained much of the ceiling, flooring, and lighting, integrating these elements into the new design. Surplus furniture was repurposed through initiatives like Waste to Wonder, benefiting communities in Cameroon and Romania, or stored for Aldermore’s future use.
Sustainability was at the heart of every decision we made. By reusing and repurposing materials where possible, we reduced waste without compromising on quality or style. New elements such as gantries inspired by the Great Lakes, with rippling water textures were carefully chosen to enhance the design and reflect Aldermore’s brand values.
Aldermore’s people were central to every design choice. We included a gym, showers, and multi-faith rooms to support employee well-being, along with quiet zones and wellness spaces for moments of calm. Flexible layouts ensure the office can adapt to evolving needs, while African-inspired design elements create a sense of connection and pride.
Aldermore’s Broadgate Tower office is more than just a workplace, it is a statement of their values and vision. Combining cultural richness, sustainability, and innovative design, it sets a benchmark for modern office spaces. This transformative project also laid the groundwork for our future collaborations, including Aldermore’s subsequent office at Apex Plaza, Reading.