Dolby – Soho SquareListed Building Fit-Out in Soho | Dolby

Value:

£4.3m

Timescale:

25 weeks

We were instructed to undertake the CAT B fit out for Dolby at their Grade II listed Soho Square, London HQ who remained in occupation throughout. The original building was first constructed as a timber framed warehouse in 1801.

Modern office space featuring a mix of natural and industrial elements. A neon sign reading 'labs' with a downward arrow is above a door on the left. Large potted plants are arranged near the windows and in the center. On the right, a round table with chairs suggests a collaborative area. The space includes grey carpet flooring, exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and large windows with views of an urban environment.

This listed building fit-out transformed Dolby’s Soho headquarters into a state-of-the-art workplace while respecting the character and constraints of its historic setting. The project combined specialist acoustic construction, advanced technology integration and contemporary workplace design to create a highly functional environment that supports both employees and client-facing activities.

Listed Building Fit-Out and Acoustic Media Suites

The works involved the complete strip-out and refurbishment of the Ground to Third Floors, together with alterations to both the Soho Square frontage building and the Dean Street annex. Working within a listed property required careful coordination to ensure new interventions complemented the existing building fabric while delivering the technical performance required by the client.

A key element of the project was the creation of a series of isolated acoustic media suites using specialist “box within box” construction techniques. These high-performance spaces provide exceptional acoustic separation while integrating seamlessly within the structure of the building.

In addition, Virtus reconfigured collaboration areas, tea points and washroom facilities to support a more efficient and flexible workplace layout. As a result, the building now offers improved functionality without compromising its architectural character.

Integrating Modern Technology Within a Listed Building

A major challenge of the listed building fit-out involved incorporating high-specification AV, data and building services throughout the property. The team carefully coordinated new installations to meet Dolby’s technical requirements while working within the constraints of the existing structure.

Furthermore, Virtus strengthened sections of the building to support the additional load imposed by the specialist acoustic suites. The project also included the construction of a new rooftop plant room above the Dean Street annex, creating the capacity required for upgraded mechanical services and additional plant equipment.

Creating a Contemporary Workplace in a Historic Setting

Beyond the specialist technical spaces, the refurbishment modernised the wider workplace environment. Virtus remodelled the main reception area, upgraded staff facilities and introduced high-quality finishes throughout the building to create a distinctive, creative and welcoming workspace.

Working closely with TP Bennett and the wider professional team, Virtus successfully balanced modern workplace requirements with the character of the existing property. Consequently, the completed scheme delivers cutting-edge performance within a unique and historic Soho building.

Delivering a Complex £4m Listed Building Fit-Out

Valued in excess of £4 million, the project included a complete replacement of the M&E services, extensive AV and IT infrastructure, structural alterations and high-specification finishes across every floor.

The successful delivery of the listed building fit-out established a strong working relationship between Virtus and Dolby. As a result, Dolby subsequently appointed Virtus to undertake ongoing maintenance and small works projects throughout the building, demonstrating continued confidence in the team’s quality, expertise and service.

Project Gallery

Refurbished office space with rows of modern workstations, large windows for natural light, and green plants enhancing the workspace ambiance. Industrial ceiling design with exposed ducts and wooden beams adds character, while white cabinets and emergency signage reflect a functional, refreshed layout.

Hallway with a black door at the end, marked by an emergency exit sign above and a fire extinguisher to the left. A windowsill on the left holds several plants, and a door with glass panels is visible on the right.

Modern conference room with a large yellow geometric-patterned wall on the left and a white brick wall with a mounted flat-screen TV on the right. A long oval table is surrounded by office chairs, and the ceiling features exposed ductwork and lighting fixtures.

Modern kitchen and dining area featuring light wood cabinets, red lower cabinets, and a speckled countertop. A central island with chairs is illuminated by hanging lights, with air conditioning units mounted on the ceiling. The space includes a sink, kitchen utensils, appliances, and plants, with a black door at the far end and light wood flooring throughout.

Modern office space with a large black table surrounded by white chairs in the foreground. In the background, a white sofa and an orange high-back chair sit against walls decorated with green moss art and white brick. Large windows on the right let in natural light, and exposed ceiling pipes add an industrial feel.

Modern living room with a brick accent wall, flat-screen TV mounted above a red TV stand, and a seating area with two black chairs, a beige sofa, and a small round coffee table. The space features wooden flooring with a gray rug, large windows with black blinds, green plants, recessed lighting, and circular air vents. A door with a golden handle and an illuminated purple sign above it is visible on the left.

Modern lounge area featuring a grey sofa, mustard armchair, and two woven chairs arranged around a central marble coffee table. In the background, a bar area includes three blue bar stools and spherical pendant lights, with a neon 'DC' sign on the wall. Large windows, wooden beams, and plants enhance the stylish, well-lit space.

Office space with a vaulted brick ceiling, featuring two gray chairs and a small round glass table in the foreground. The area is well-lit with track lighting and decorated with several potted plants along the corridor. Fire safety equipment, including a fire extinguisher and hose reel, is visible near the entrance door on the left.

Recently refurbished WC featuring two black doors with vertical gold handles and gold strips at the bottom. To the right, a double sink vanity includes two white sinks with black faucets, a black cabinet, and a countertop with a soap dispenser and folded towels. Two round mirrors are mounted on a white tiled wall with black grout.

Office space featuring two orange phone booths or meeting pods, a row of white lockers on the right, and a kitchenette with a sink and countertop on the left. An emergency exit sign is above the door in the background, with fire extinguishers nearby. The ceiling has exposed ductwork.

Modern office space featuring a table with five chairs—one pink and four orange—and a plant centerpiece. Behind the table is a white brick-patterned wall, and to the right are lockers. The ceiling includes exposed ductwork and modern lighting fixtures, with a staircase also visible in the space.

Awards and Accreditations

We are committed to being recognised as a modern forward thinking construction company and realise the importance of meeting the standards and expectations of our customers and in recognition of this we are members of Constructionline and CHAS, whilst also having accreditation under ISO9001 & ISO1400.