The Gherkin, 30 St Mary's Axe Office Fit Out & Building Refurbishment at The Gherkin, London

Value:

£13.6m

Timescale:

36 weeks

This landmark project transformed four floors within one of London’s most prestigious commercial buildings.

Modern workplace fit-out reception featuring a curved bespoke reception desk, feature stone backdrop, timber lattice ceiling, integrated feature lighting, informal lounge seating, and flexible collaboration spaces designed to enhance visitor experience and employee wellbeing.

Virtus delivered a 65,000 sq. ft. office fit out and building refurbishment at The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe. This landmark project transformed four floors within one of London’s most prestigious commercial buildings. As a result, the client gained a high-quality workplace that combines premium finishes with outstanding functionality.

Cat B Office Strip Out and Preparation Works

The team completed the project over a nine-month programme. First, Virtus carried out a full Cat B office strip out across all four floors. The team removed partitions, ceilings, finishes and services to return the space to shell condition.

Subsequently, the project moved into a comprehensive Cat A and Cat B fit out phase. This approach provided a blank canvas for the new workplace design while ensuring the programme remained on track.

Commercial Fit Out Within a Live Building

Throughout the programme, Virtus worked across multiple floors within a live commercial environment. Therefore, careful planning and close coordination remained essential from start to finish.

The team managed logistics, programme sequencing and stakeholder communication to maintain progress while protecting quality standards. Consequently, the project advanced efficiently despite the constraints of working within a fully operational landmark building.

Executive Floor Refurbishment

One of the standout features of the project was the Executive Floor. Here, Virtus created several high-specification meeting suites, a premium boardroom and a commercial kitchen.

In addition, the floor incorporates an impressive breakout and dining space with a dedicated barista bar. Together, these facilities create an exceptional environment for clients, visitors and employees.

Office Refurbishment and Workplace Transformation

Meanwhile, the remaining three floors underwent a complete office refurbishment and fit out. The team delivered contemporary open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms and collaboration areas.

Furthermore, new tea points and breakout spaces support flexible working and employee wellbeing. High-quality finishes throughout create a modern workplace designed around productivity, collaboration and future growth.

MEPH Installation and Building Services Upgrades

As part of the commercial fit out, Virtus designed and installed a completely new Mechanical, Electrical, Public Health and HVAC (MEPH) system. The team integrated the new services with the building’s existing infrastructure and management systems.

Consequently, the workplace benefits from improved operational performance, occupant comfort and long-term efficiency. The upgraded services also support the building’s ongoing operational requirements.

Specialist Office Fit Out Expertise in London

Despite the challenges of working within a live landmark building, Virtus completed the project on programme. The successful delivery highlights the company’s expertise in office fit out, building refurbishment, commercial refurbishment, Cat A fit out, Cat B fit out, office strip out and MEPH installation.

Ultimately, the project demonstrates Virtus’ ability to deliver complex workplace transformations across London’s most prestigious commercial assets.

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Project Gallery

Refurbished office breakout area with upholstered booth seating, collaborative worktables, feature lighting, timber wall panelling, and contemporary furniture as part of a modern commercial workplace fit-out.

Contemporary office fit-out featuring a flexible meeting and collaboration space with movable furniture, acoustic curtain dividers, integrated AV technology, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and modern finishes designed to support agile working and team collaboration.

Contemporary workplace fit-out showcasing an open-plan office space with bench desks, lockable storage units, ergonomic seating, acoustic flooring, feature planting, and perimeter glazing, delivering a functional and flexible working environment with abundant natural light.

Commercial office refurbishment showcasing open-plan workstations, bespoke joinery, integrated storage, feature planting, ergonomic seating, and glazed façades within a modern workplace environment.

High-end office fit-out incorporating a collaborative lounge space with bespoke soft seating, feature planting, large-format floor finishes, extensive glazed façades, and flexible meeting facilities, maximising natural light and enhancing the workplace experience.

Premium workplace fit-out incorporating a technology-enabled boardroom with bespoke meeting furniture, integrated presentation screens, acoustic ceiling treatments, perimeter glazing, feature planting, and contemporary finishes, creating a high-performance space for meetings and client presentations.

High-spec workplace fit-out incorporating a formal boardroom with modular meeting tables, integrated audio-visual technology, acoustic wall treatments, feature ceiling lighting, and coordinated furniture finishes, designed to support client presentations, team collaboration, and hybrid meetings.

Contemporary workplace fit-out incorporating custom timber-effect planter joinery, integrated planting, collaborative lounge seating, feature wall panelling, and adjacent glazed meeting spaces, enhancing wellbeing, circulation, and the overall workplace experience.

Contemporary office fit-out incorporating a staff breakout space with bespoke refreshment facilities, curved lounge furniture, timber-effect finishes, integrated planting, decorative wall lighting, and expansive glazed façades overlooking the city skyline, designed to support collaboration, wellbeing, and flexible working.

High-end workplace fit-out incorporating a collaborative lounge space with sculptural upholstered seating, decorative privacy screens, patterned flooring, feature ceiling treatments, and open circulation routes, creating a welcoming amenity area for informal meetings, relaxation, and client hospitality.

High-end workplace fit-out incorporating a hospitality-inspired breakout area with modular upholstered seating, bespoke refreshment joinery, feature lighting, integrated planting, and expansive glazed façades, creating a collaborative amenity space that maximises natural light and enhances the employee experience.

High-end workplace fit-out incorporating a collaborative amenity space with bespoke refreshment units, designer lounge furniture, biophilic elements, large-format flooring, and striking full-height glazing, maximising natural light and delivering a premium employee experience.

High-end workplace fit-out incorporating a hospitality-led staff hub with custom banquette seating, collaborative dining and touchdown spaces, feature decorative lighting, integrated planting, and a café-style refreshment area, creating a vibrant destination for employee wellbeing, collaboration, and social engagement.

Hospitality-inspired office fit-out incorporating bespoke booth seating with integrated biophilic planters, collaborative tables, feature circular ceiling rafts, panoramic glazing, and amenity-led workspace settings, creating a vibrant environment for informal collaboration, social interaction, and agile working.

High-end workplace fit-out incorporating a multi-functional breakout area with café seating, integrated lounge furniture, biophilic elements, exposed structural glazing, and abundant natural daylight, creating an inspiring setting for informal meetings, focused work, and employee wellbeing.

Contemporary workplace fit-out incorporating a social and collaboration space with custom banquette seating, communal dining and touchdown tables, feature lighting installations, extensive biophilic planting, and open-plan amenity areas, creating a vibrant destination for connection, collaboration, and workplace wellbeing.

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.