Architect: Wilkinson Eyre
Installer: Brown and Carroll
Product: Gustafs Panel System and Gustafs Linear Rib
Photography: Liam Hammond
LSA worked with architects at Wilkinson Eyre and the team at Brown and Carroll on the design and scope for multiple areas at 8 Bishopsgate which completed in 2023. Initial enquiries started during 2020 for our timber panels and ribs in the entrance lobby as well as communal dining spaces and meeting rooms.
The key element LSA were approached to supply was the acoustic wall panels in the 50th floor Lookout viewing platform. Given the location and purpose of the space acoustic performance and fire resistance were key factors when the architects were choosing a cladding product.
The Lookout is accessed using a high-speed lift from both the designated visitor lobby as well as the main lift core and has views across central London including the river Thames, the Shard, and St Pauls Cathedral.
Natural Walnut veneered panels were chosen in this space to give the wall space colour, texture, and warmth, in contrast with the panoramic windows. The panels have a nano acoustic perforation for high acoustic performance with minimal visual impact making it perfect for photography and video backdrops.
The standout feature of this space is the decorative black stripes on the panels. This was initially designed by the architects to be routed into the dark core gypsum panels but after extensive samples and full scale mock up preview it was decided that a solid black inlay piece would give the more dramatic effect they were looking for.
LSA also supplied Gustafs acoustic wall and ceiling panels in matching Walnut veneer to the private executive lounge and events space at the Lookout.
LSA also supplied Oak timber ceilings to the common area restaurant and breakout café bar space on the 26th floor. Ceiling panels in this area were interspersed with black service channels giving contrast against the natural texture of the timber panels.
Linear ribs were used in the side corridor on this floor leading from the seating area to the lift lobby and kitchens. Ribs are a great versatile alternative to traditional flat panels ideal for the incorporation of invisible doors for services and storage as well as giving flexibility of positioning on site without the modifications required to do this with panels.
Standard module 38mm wide ribs with 12mm gaps were used throughout to suit easy-up invisible fix installation using Gustafs’ Base-W and Base-C grid system. Deeper 44mm ribs were used for a dramatic effect on the ceilings whilst low profile 22mm deep ribs were used for the more functional ribs on the walls.
The use of Gustafs panels continues through to the impressive meeting rooms and the green room at 8 Bishopsgate, providing acoustic performance and textural detail to the rooms.
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