Boundary House is a beautiful 1930s Art Deco building located in the vibrant Smithfield area. Having recently undergone Cat A refurbishments, Hermes Investment's ambition was to set a new benchmark for the building’s future, repositioning Boundary House. Through a competitive tender, our dedicated Landlord team were chosen to deliver a full refurbishment of the sixth floor, roof terrace, and end-of-journey facilities. Balancing a unique ‘Streamline Moderne’ design with technical construction complexity, the project also needed to be delivered within a live building with minimal disruption to existing tenants demanding tight coordination across all teams.
Delivering a high-specification refurbishment in a tenanted building presented unique logistical and technical challenges. With four floors still occupied, we worked closely with tenants and the landlord to carefully phase works, adhering to strict noisy working hours and maintaining full access to shared amenities. The sixth floor's Mansard roof and low ceiling heights required careful M&E coordination to maximise head height, tucking services tightly beneath structural beams. A dated infrastructure added further constraints, all of which were overcome through considered planning and on-site adaptability.
The sixth floor’s design takes inspiration from the building’s ‘Streamlined Moderne’ architecture, drawing on the clean lines, curved forms, and chrome detailing typical of the era. A rich material palette, integrated joinery, and soft curves create visual continuity throughout the space, while chrome and copper elements reference cladding seen across the building. This palette is also reflected in the furniture, which was chosen in close collaboration with the design team, including chrome cantilever chairs that provide a bold entrance to the workplace.
The 4,000 sq ft floorplate itself is unique, with a central atrium adding a sense of space and connecting all sides of the office. The workplace supports a wide range of working styles, from open-plan areas and quiet nooks to Zoom rooms and private meeting spaces. The tea point, bathed in natural light, acts as the social heart of the office, with bright colours and unique furniture choices imbuing the space with energy. Wheelchair access is built into the tea point through shallow sinks ensuring accessibility for all.
Following the success of the sixth floor, we were appointed to deliver the third floor, a direct result of the impact and quality of the initial phase. The design approach mirrored the aesthetic of the sixth floor, ensuring visual continuity across the building. This consistency strengthens the overall identity of Boundary House and demonstrates the value of a considered high-quality design. It also reinforces how a strong, collaborative relationship with the landlord can provide future opportunities.
The rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views across London, has also been refurbished with unique pieces of furniture from independent suppliers, providing comfort and a space for socialising. Used furniture did not go to waste, with old terrace pieces being charitably donated to a school in need of outdoor seating.
End-of-journey facilities were redesigned to meet modern standards, including the DDA-compliant shower, improved wayfinding, and upgraded bike storage. These spaces now reflect the look and feel of the refurbished floors, creating a cohesive experience throughout the building.
With the sixth and third floors complete, Boundary House has begun its transformation into a modern, attractive destination for forward-thinking tenants. The design not only reflects the building’s character and location but also demonstrates the potential of thoughtful refurbishment to breathe new life into established structures.
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