SpaceInvader brings African design influences to new workspace scheme for Aldermore Bank, London

We are delighted to share a behind the scenes look at Aldermore Bank's newly completed London headquarters at Broadgate Tower.

Aldermore Bank HQ, London

Working closely with CBRE UK, a dynamic and culturally rich workspace was created to enable contemporary working practices, with a greater emphasis on team wellbeing.

One of the most enjoyable and unusual aspects of the scheme for our designers was the brief to integrate Aldermore’s parent company FirstRand Group’s African ownership and culture.

We looked to the dramatic and varied landscapes of the African continent as our aesthetic inspiration’ Sarah Dabbs explained. ‘This route found expression in the scheme’s colour palette, along with textures, patterns, forms, artwork and lighting. The scheme also features planting species originally found in Africa, all set within a warm and earthy overall palette with a bold edge.’

The scheme also focused on best practice usage of the existing fit-out from a sustainability point of view.

‘On a sustainable level, the existing fit-out wasn’t to be wasted. On an aesthetic level, however, the prevalence of the colour grey and the lack of vibrancy in the existing scheme were distinctly off-message!’ Sarah Dabbs explained. ‘Another challenge was the unusual floorplate shape, which included pointy ends to spaces in a number of meeting rooms, for example.’