Edelman

The refurbishment retains elements of the original building while introducing a more contemporary workplace around them. Changing ceiling heights and existing structural conditions meant the glazing could not be treated as a standard repeated detail.

Each elevation was coordinated to meet the architecture around it, allowing new glazed rooms to sit alongside retained features without appearing detached from the building. This close relationship between old and new is central to the project, with the glass partitioning forming a precise contemporary layer within the existing fabric.

One of the more distinctive details is the use of glazed overpanels above selected doors and screens. Extending the elevations towards the varied ceiling lines, they create taller, more architectural compositions than a conventional partition-and-door arrangement.

The overpanels also allowed the glazing to respond to the changing proportions found across the five floors. Combined with hinged and pocket sliding doors, they give each elevation a carefully resolved relationship with its setting while maintaining continuity throughout the project.

For Gensler, the choice of partitioning was about more than appearance. The systems needed to meet the project’s acoustic, visual and sustainability requirements while supporting a complex design across five floors.

“Optima’s high-quality products, workmanship and acoustic performance is fully accredited, which made them stand out, and was a great match for the Edelman project.” 

Gensler also highlighted the breadth of the specification, including sliding and pivoting doors, double-glazed screens and solutions for areas requiring guarding.

As Becky Spenceley noted:

“Overall service and install were reliable and efficient, and Optima were a trusted partner for this complex and demanding project.”