MAKING AN ENTRANCE
70 ST MARY’S AXE
St Mary’s Axe is a 6,200 sq ft reception project situated in the City of London. Following a ‘classic-meets-contemporary’ design direction, the entrance, which features bespoke interior pieces and celebrated design classics, is the result of a design collaboration brought together by Alice Breed, Managing Partner of DNA Partners, under the creative guidance of David Warrendar of FOGGO Associates Ltd.
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MODERN DAY ICON: INSIDE AND OUT
In 2019, Alice was approached by lead architect, David Warrendar, to collaborate with him on the entrance to a 24-storey, 438,000 sq ft office building developed by Nuveen Real Estate. Envisioned by FOGGO Associates as a ‘new icon’, St Mary’s Axe boasts an elegantly curved exterior and a double height reception.
Alice worked alongside the client to select iconic 20th Century Scandinavian furniture pieces, such as the Ox Chair by Hans J. Wegner and the Corona Chair by Poul Volther, both manufactured by Erik Jørgensen. The pieces were upholstered in contemporary and unexpected fabrics, showcasing the versatility of these timeless classics.
As well as advising on furniture, Alice, under David’s guidance, brought together a team of collaborators to develop a refined interior brief: create a spectacular entrance with a high-end, creative and contemporary members club feel. The designers drew upon inspiration from the boutique hotel sector, allowing space for guests to meet, work and socialise, creating a truly leisurely and enjoyable arrival.
As well as advising on furniture, Alice, under David’s guidance, brought together a team of collaborators to develop a refined interior brief: create a spectacular entrance with a high-end, creative and contemporary members club feel. The designers drew upon inspiration from the boutique hotel sector, allowing space for guests to meet, work and socialise, creating a truly leisurely and enjoyable arrival.
COLLABORATION BREEDS CREATIVITY
Collaboration is at the core of DNA Partners, who foster a host of unparalleled connections across the design industry. The benefit of these relationships are apparent in projects such as this. From the moment guests step into the entrance, they will notice a sizeable glass chandelier designed by Foundry London using Bocci lighting elements. Alice introduced Marvin George of Foundry London to the project to undertake a technically challenging lighting scheme, which involved designing bespoke trusses to hold elements of the cloud-like chandelier.
Alice also enlisted the expertise of celebrated Interior Surface Designer, Charlene Mullen, to add colour and texture to the space. Working with the swatches for the furniture scheme, the entrance features a range of bespoke hand knotted rugs which are inspired by the works of Agnes Martin, Louise Bourgeois and Sol Lewitts, as well as a collection of colourful cushions, which are beautifully hand-embroidered.
Continuing to take an artistic approach to the fit out, the spatial styling was overseen by Charlene Mullen, whilst botanical designer Mary Mathieson continues to create bespoke floral installations which carefully consider the composition of the space, as well as the seasons.
FURNITURE LIST:
• Corona Chair• Corona Footstool
• Hector Sofa
• Insual Lap Top Table: with cararra marble top
• Insula Coffee Table: with cararra marble top
• Insula Dining Table: with carrara marble top
• Ox & Queen Footstool
• Ox Chair
• Queen Chair
PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS:
• Foggo Associates: Architects & Engineers
• DNA Partners: Furniture Agent & Partnerships
• Foundry: Lighting Designer
• Charlene Mullen Studio: Interior Surfaces Designer & Styling
• Mary Mathieson: Botanical Designer