Drone footage reveals 10-storey timber atrium by Studio RHE
A feature staircase constructed from a black steel geometric sub frame, clad with 206 powder-coated aluminium panels, provides access to the building's lower floors.
The atrium is reached via an entrance light tunnel made from polycarbonate, with a custom-built concrete reception desk to welcome visitors.
Collaborative working is encouraged with shared meeting spaces inside the atrium at ground-floor level, connected directly to the communal water gardens outside.
Externally, the landscaping of the original 1990s development is being replaced, with timber porticos and colonnades built alongside water features.
According to the developer, Republic aims to appeal to the next generation of creative and tech businesses to "stem the tide of young companies leaving London."
"We are transforming the Import Building into a dynamic collaborative 21st century workplace, with flexible spaces and innovative amenities and facilities," said Richard Hywel Evans, director of Studio RHE.
"It will form a cornerstone to this sustainable unique new working neighbourhood, and we look forward to the next stages of the development."
Following the renovation of the Import Building, Studio RHE will remodel the Export Building, which stands opposite, as the second phase of the development of the Republic.
Robert Wolstenholme, director of Trilogy Real Estate said: "Republic is already attracting young businesses priced out of central London and Shoreditch, and we are setting the tone for our new creative neighbourhood with high-quality lettings that help us to create a place for our tenants to work, collaborate, innovate and play."
Original link - dezeen.com