Client Etc.Venues
Location London, UK
Status Built
Jestico + Whiles completed the restoration of London County Hall for conference venue company Etc.Venues, delivering a design that creates a unique space and world-class venue for its clients close to the West End.
Our design references the cultural and geographic context and its proximity to the river Thames, drawing inspiration from the building’s historic fabric and original function.
The location is reminiscent of the paper-pushing era of the 40s, 50s and 60s, and the design seeks to reflect the romance of this period. Inspiration is drawn from the art deco era and its powerful use of linear geometries. We used the idea of a ‘frame within a frame’ rule for the joinery and a linear design language throughout to express this.
The brief was to retain the existing building’s original features, including 10,000 sq ft of original parquet floors and art deco windows, which were restored and complemented by refurbished elements that we designed. These existing elements influenced a minimal, elegant colour and materials palette that includes dark stained solid woods, brass and antique bronze finishes and bronze and black metal frames.
The historic building has been divided into a reception lobby, snug bar, restaurant wings and conference/meeting rooms, of which the top tier are the Thames and County Suites, which offer views across the Thames and Parliament.
