DL/28

MSMR was commissioned to design Derwent London’s second DL/ Lounge. The 1265 sqm amenity space is arranged over two floors and located on Featherstone Street in East London. The design builds on the success of DL/78 and seeks to respond to the needs of Derwent’s member community. The principal space at ground floor level is a members lounge filled with natural light and served by a dedicated café bar and outdoor terrace. The lounge is designed to enable collaborative working and socialising. A library at lower ground level and call rooms provide quiet space for autonomous working.

A key objective of our design for DL/28 was the provision of a diverse range of private hire rooms which could be used independently from the members spaces. These spaces can be easily adapted or combined to host meetings of a variety of sizes, 50-100 seat presentations, or 200 person drinks reception. At lower ground level meeting rooms are organised around a generous central break-out space.

Health and wellbeing were underlying themes for the design for DL/28. Inspiration was drawn from mid-century architecture in our approach to the organisation of spaces, with solid walls and translucent screens playfully framing and postponing views along a journey to create a sense of fluidity and anticipation. The expression of natural light is given particular attention. Simple surfaces are intentionally placed to capture a subtle play of moving shadows or reflections bouncing off rippling water.

An enduring base palette of crown cut European oak, green terrazzo, patinated bronze and neutral textiles establishes a richness and warmth throughout. This is punctuated by coffered ceilings and bold curved forms which act as visual markers and create a dramatic conclusion to the journey.

Video: Simon Taylor

Images: Jack Hobhouse photography