Formerly the retail outlet for a tile and stone company, this commercial building required an update to transform the premises into a shared space suited to creatives and tech businesses.
The building is an old Victorian cottage, altered and added to in the late 1990s. The project required a judicious edit inside to remove the showroom aspects of the fit-out and outside, to regain some kerb appeal and respond better to the street context.
Oversized plastered columns were removed and the fascia tidy up with new signage. Inside, stone floors were kept but tiled walls were removed in an effort to quieten the space, both visually and acoustically. New colours and materials were chosen to complement the existing tones and where possible items were salvaged and re-purposed, such as the marble slab shelf in the meeting room.
We wanted to create a relaxed environment with the qualities and ease of a home, whilst at the same time ensuring the space felt professional and responsive to working needs.
Shared amenities such as the kitchen, big table and courtyard provide points for gathering and help to engender a sense of community amongst the residents at M Studio.