Fathom Architects

Previous project:

2 Pancras Square, King's Cross

  • LocationKing's Cross
  • UseWorkspace
  • ClientArgent
  • Date2021 - ongoing

We’re currently on site with Argent / Argent LLP to upgrade 2 Pancras Square, reimagining amenity areas within the workspace to prioritise health, wellbeing and sociability.

The design has been carefully considered to improve the existing building by creating a more enjoyable series of spaces for customers. Welcoming and comfortable common areas, high quality materials, rationalised circulation, bespoke artwork and greenery combine to create a distinctive identity with flexible spaces for work, exercise and informal gatherings.

Our work includes consented upgrades to the building’s rooftop, adding 700sqm of outdoor space supporting a variety of activities to encourage people away from office floors to connect with nature.

Approach and reception

The approach from Pancras Square is softened with vertical planting, small trees and a suspended nature-inspired artwork in the colonnaded walkway. De-cluttering the existing ground floor windows and replacing with large sliding units allows the reception space to better connect with the garden at Pancras Square and draw fresh air into the building.

As you enter the building, a palette of natural materials and greenery set the tone for a welcoming and relaxed area for interaction, with various touch-down spaces for building occupiers and guests. Reconfiguration of the reception layout directs people towards a previously hard-to-find staircase to encourage active circulation.

Floor finishes in terrazzo and reclaimed parquet denote areas for circulation and meetings. Planted beds wrap around two sides of the reception, carving out three pockets of space for informal meetings and tiered seating providing the opportunity for small gatherings.

Basement

The existing basement plan is rationalised to improve the experience of active commuters with increased shower and locker provision, updated changing rooms and clearer wayfinding.

Materials and finishes within these areas are upgraded to offer a high quality of space and amenity.

Rooftop Terrace

The rooftop terrace encourages people away from office floors to connect with nature, by providing an additional 700sqm of outdoor space supporting a variety of activities.

Subtly zoned with furniture and finishes, layouts consider different ways people may want to spend time away from their desks including quiet space for reading or focus time, social areas for lunchtime chats and larger meetings or open space providing an opportunity to exercise their mind and body.

The biodiversity of the terrace is being supplemented by adding trees and planted beds to create an inviting natural environment for people and pollinators.

Working with collaborators EStudio Mix, the planting strategy promotes a year-round biophilic experience, enhanced habitats for wildlife and circular economy principles.

Anthea Harries, Asset Management Director at King's Cross - Argent LLP:

“We’ve been working with Fathom at King’s Cross for 3 years and are delighted to have found an architectural practice who understand our aspirations, especially in the complexities of retail-led placemaking and workplace retrofit.

They share our ambitions for world-class design and leading ESG credentials which deliver long term durability and resilience for our customers.

The Fathom team has provided a fantastic service across multiple specialist areas at a range of scales from replacing a shopfront to designing a new building. We’ve been impressed with their approach to our assets and have found them to be professional, personable and adaptable – important qualities in this ever-changing landscape.”

  • ClientArgent / Argent LLP