With a portfolio emphasising high-end quality and sustainability, Akoya wanted to create a space that aligns with their brand ethos and meets the needs of businesses seeking modern, adaptable office environments in an emerging London area. The refurbishment of Knolly's and Stephensons House was designed to transform the property into Mosaic East, Croydon's premier sustainable building with occupier-ready workspaces that place style and innovation at the forefront.
After successfully completing a Cat A and Cat B fit out as a test suite, we were appointed to refurbish the entire building. The project unfolded in three phases to accommodate existing tenants while undergoing renovations. We embarked on the challenge, beginning with two Cat A+ spaces in Phase 1, followed by Cat A refurbishments across seven floors and core area redesigns in both buildings, installing a new mechanical system that would improve air quality, enabling the property to achieve a Gold Airscore. The final phase focused on revamping the reception area, resulting in a comprehensive transformation of the property to meet modern tenant demands.
Sustainability measures were high on the agenda throughout the project, informing strategic design choices and material selections. A unique design opportunity arose during the renovation, where the discovery of a clay pot ceiling led to its integration into the final design, reducing the need for new materials whilst preserving the building's history. Additional recycled materials and a hardwood engineered flooring contributed to the project's environmental credentials to achieve a SKA Gold rating, and the installation of secondary glazing enabled the achievement of an EPC B rating.
We collaborated with BGY architects to facilitate the realisation of the design, working closely with Akoya's marketing team to incorporate a sustainable palette featuring green and pink hues and natural finishes. By alternating the use of green and pink colours and working with natural materials such as clay, each floor had a unique finish, but continuity was sustained with a fluted finish throughout, creating a dynamic visual impact to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of Mosaic
East.
Mosaic East stands as a testament to Akoya's commitment to sustainability and quality, offering a rejuvenated space that embodies their brand values and exceeds today’s workplace standards. Through meticulous planning, innovative design solutions, and sustainable practices, Oktra successfully transformed the property into a vibrant, environmentally conscious destination for businesses in the heart of Croydon.
Team:
Designers: Oktra
Photographers: Henry Woide, Luca Piffaretti
