Paddington Works is an exclusive and innovative space in central London, offering members and visitors a variety of stimulating environments in which they can carry out their day-to-day work, hold meetings and run events. With space flexibility an essential ingredient of the design, Style was contracted to install a Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable wall, maximising acoustic privacy by effectively separating the main auditorium from other work areas.
The Variflex range, available exclusively in the UK through partitioning experts Style, offers considerable adaptability to suit almost any location and includes a wide choice of panel sizes and finishes, parking arrangements, as well as acoustic performance ratings.
Pushing the boundaries of the traditional office, Paddington Works offers members an eclectic mix of fully equipped spaces in which to work, including private studios, seminar rooms, hot or dedicated desks, suites complete with green screens and creative editing software, as well as an 80-person auditorium for events.
Style worked with architects, Threefold Architecture and contractor, Space Paddington, to increase the adaptability of the auditorium by installing a partitioning wall to divide the area during gatherings, talks, presentations and events. The manually operated Variflex moveable wall quickly closes off the auditorium to allow privacy for events, as members continue to work undisturbed in the surrounding areas thanks to its 57dB Rw acoustic integrity.
Facing into the auditorium the yellow Camira Blazer fabric finish complements the vibrant soft furnishings, whilst the other side is in white melamine to maintain a light, open atmosphere.
This is a great example of how a relatively straightforward acoustic, manual moveable wall installation can revolutionise how space is used
Julian Sargent, Style’s group managing director
When the wall is open, the stepped auditorium is a visible and integral part of the building design and can be used as a casual space where members can gather together for informal brainstorming sessions or simply to relax.
Julian Sargent, Style’s group managing director
During events it can be quickly closed off so that they can be run in privacy and allow those not involved to continue with their work without being interrupted.
Julian Sargent, Style’s group managing director