The Engine Room, in London's re-developed Battersea Power Station, is a bespoke office by design collective bs;bp for IWG (global leader in flexible workspace solutions).
The result is a unique 3,850 sqm co-working destination covering 2 floors in the heart of this iconic building.

The Art Deco power station, built in 1929, laid in ruins for almost 40 years. In an era defined by environmental consciousness, it is now one of London's largest, most successful transformations with sustainability at its core. The vibrant destination spans 12 floors, has over 120,000 sqm of commercial space, a 2000-capacity auditorium, cinemas, restaurants and conference spaces and six floors of offices for around 5000 people.

The Engine Room business club is located within a double-height space of the power station, offering dramatic views across the day-lit South Atrium. It's unique design respects and compliments the industrial character of the building. This is combined with design elements that reduce its carbon footprint, such as joinery made from recycled paper and carpets designed for circularity, with a guaranteed take-back program. Innovative planning provides all the functional requirements necessary for a thriving, flexible co-working space.

The planning takes full advantage of the impressive high space that is straddled by the full height Atriums. By inserting a raised platform island with strategically landscaped volumes of different sizes at the perimeter, the space facilitates circulation routes and creates a variation of open and enclosed functional spaces, both on and off this platform. Here, up to 300 people can join events, but it always feels human sized and connected. With tall, architectural curtains, the central platform space can be transformed into an enclosed event/presentation venue, while still allowing the perimeter business club and circulation space to be used without interruption.

A variety of work, meeting and social settings throughout this communal space give people the choice to work either individually or collectively, in private or in the open. Large plants are strategically placed throughout the business club. They not only aid the wellbeing of the users, but also act as screening devices, providing privacy and protection.

Rich cherry wood finishes connect visually to the existing brickwork of the building's retained facade, which can be viewed through the tall perimeter glazing. A deep black is used in key joinery elements, such as the reception desk, serviced café bar, balustrades and internal linings, matching the building's steelwork. These pieces connect to the exposed structure of the iconic base building. Deep coloured fabric interiors create a crafted contemporary intervention. This compliments beautifully the raw industrial character of the power station. Sophisticated mid-century furniture was selected to compliment the building’s heritage.

The Engine Room, iconic co-working space in Battersea Power Station.