6-24 Britannia Street - CAT B | VIRTUS Contracts Limited

Value:

£1.6m

Timescale:

14 Weeks

“The layout encourages cross-department interactions and easier, more spontaneous encounters, which fosters a stronger sense of unity and collaboration.”

Interior of a modern publishers office with wooden shelves filled with books on both sides. A receptionist sits at a desk in a seating area surrounded by large potted plants. The space is well-lit with hanging contemporary lights and natural light from large windows.

After two decades at its Holborn headquarters, Thames & Hudson relocated to a vibrant new home in King’s Cross. The publisher selected a 16,000 sq ft space within the former Gagosian Gallery, seeking a workplace that would better support collaboration while showcasing its renowned publications.

Having previously transformed the building alongside Stanton Williams to create a striking CAT A office environment, Virtus was ideally placed to support the next stage of the journey. The existing CAT A fit-out featured polished concrete floors, timber-lined mezzanines, and exposed services that provided a strong architectural foundation. Consequently, Thames & Hudson appointed Virtus Designworks to develop a CAT B office fit-out that aligned with its culture, ambitions, and operational requirements.

Workplace Strategy and Design Development

Initially, the team developed a detailed test fit that allowed the client and its agents to assess the space against their specific needs. As a result, the proposal helped inform the decision to proceed with the lease.

Once the lease was secured, we facilitated a series of workshops to understand the client’s objectives in greater detail. Working closely with Thames & Hudson, we developed a workplace strategy that balanced design aspirations, budget requirements, and programme constraints.

A key design principle centred on creating neighbourhoods that reflected the company’s various divisions. By grouping teams together within an open-plan environment, we strengthened opportunities for collaboration while maintaining departmental identity. Furthermore, the new workplace enabled the business to consolidate from five separate floors into one connected workspace with a mezzanine level. Consequently, the office now supports greater communication, knowledge sharing, and operational efficiency.

Managing Complex Coordination Challenges

Delivering the project required extensive coordination between client-appointed contractors and our own supply chain partners. With multiple specialist trades working simultaneously, our team carefully managed interfaces, programme sequencing, and quality control throughout the fit-out.

In particular, the integration of MEP services within bespoke joinery elements demanded exceptional attention to detail. Our site team worked closely with designers and specialist subcontractors to coordinate plant, fixtures, and fittings within highly tailored joinery solutions.

Because the joinery formed a key feature of the workplace design, spatial coordination proved critical. Therefore, we carried out detailed workshops and secured key components early in the programme. This proactive approach reduced installation risks, eliminated potential rework, and ensured the final result matched the original design intent.

Network Rail Approvals and Programme Management

The mezzanine extension presented another significant challenge. The project required Network Rail approvals, which typically involve lengthy review periods and can introduce programme risk.

However, by leveraging strong existing relationships and maintaining proactive communication, we successfully reduced the approval timescales by approximately half. As a result, structural works progressed without delay and allowed subsequent trades to commence in line with the critical programme.

Accelerating Delivery for Early Occupation

The programme became increasingly demanding when the client’s existing lease was due to expire just two weeks after our contracted completion date. Consequently, the project team adopted a proactive strategy to support early occupation and minimise the risk of additional lease costs.

To achieve this, we accelerated our works programme while maintaining quality standards throughout the fit-out. In parallel, the client appointed direct contractors to install loose furniture, fixtures, and equipment before practical completion.

Although this created a fast-paced and highly coordinated environment, the team maintained close collaboration across all parties. Furthermore, rigorous project management ensured that each milestone remained on track and that installation activities progressed safely and efficiently.

The Outcome

Despite a compressed programme and complex coordination requirements, the team maintained a relentless focus on quality, programme certainty, and client experience.

Through strategic planning, detailed coordination, and a solutions-focused approach, we completed the CAT B office fit-out two weeks ahead of schedule. As a result, Thames & Hudson occupied its new King’s Cross headquarters early and transitioned seamlessly into its new workplace.

Ultimately, the completed office reflects the publisher’s identity, supports a more collaborative way of working, and showcases the value of thoughtful workplace design. From initial concept through to completion, the project demonstrates Virtus’ ability to deliver complex CAT B fit-outs with precision, efficiency, and exceptional quality.

Project Gallery

Reception area with Thames & Hudson sign, central desk, seating area, and large windows.

Thames and Hudson reception desk. Large glass facade, with potted plants in the background. Exposed services and contemporary lighting above.

Modern minimalist lounge area with two dark gray sofas in an L-shape, light wooden side tables, and a central coffee table holding books and magazines. A shelf beneath the table contains more books. Large potted plants with green leaves are placed on both sides of the room. The white wall behind the sofas features light wood paneling and a large abstract artwork with geometric shapes and symbols arranged in a grid.

Modern, minimalist interior reception space with polished concrete floors and three rows of wall-mounted shelves displaying colorful magazines or books. Large windows and glass doors on the right allow natural light to fill the room. The ceiling features exposed ductwork and contemporary hanging light fixtures.

Modern interior space with a staircase leading to an upper level, large glass windows and doors, and wooden slats on the ceiling. A bookshelf filled with books is visible through the glass wall, and the area is brightly lit by natural light from skylights above.

Modern open interior space with high ceilings, natural light, and polished concrete floors. A bookshelf filled with books and items is on the left above a built-in bench with red cushions. In the center, an open area leads to a glass-walled room with two green chairs and a round table. Above, an upper level with wooden slat railings hosts people seated at tables. Glass doors on the right lead to another part of the building.

Modern bookshelf with multiple shelves displaying a variety of books arranged both vertically and horizontally. The middle section features angled shelves that highlight colorful book covers, creating a visually engaging and organized display.

Modern office space with three booth-style seating areas featuring red cushioned seats, tables, and wall-mounted screens. Two people are seated in the middle booth. Above is an open mezzanine with plants and wooden railings. A large planter with a tree is in the foreground, and the space is filled with natural light and greenery.

Modern indoor space with three booth seating areas featuring round tables and red cushioned benches. One person is using a laptop in a booth, while another is on the phone in a separate booth. The area includes potted plants, a large circular planter with a tree, and an upper level with wooden slats as part of the architectural design.

Indoor space with modern decor featuring two people seated at a small round table in a booth with red seating. A hanging light fixture is above the table, and a wall-mounted monitor is behind them. In the foreground, a large planter with a tree adds greenery, while wooden slats on the upper level contribute to the contemporary design.

Modern library or reading area with large windows, a long counter with wooden stools, and two people conversing. Behind the counter is a large bookshelf filled with books. The space includes indoor plants, a sofa, and a round coffee table, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

A large bookshelf filled with books, a long table in front holding books and a cup, and a person walking past. Large windows on the right side let in natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

Indoor space with modern furniture including a round table, chair, and bench seat on the left. A person is walking up a staircase in the background leading to an upper level. The area features glass walls revealing a large indoor plant or tree, with ceiling lights and exposed ventilation above.

Modern office space with large windows providing natural light, a wall of shelves filled with books and items on the left, a round table with chairs in the foreground where a person is reading, and rows of desks with computers and people working in the background—creating a professional and collaborative work environment.

Modern office space with bookshelves filled with books. A person stands in front of the shelves, appearing to select a book. The room includes desks with computers and chairs, a round table with books, and a ceiling with exposed ducts and lighting fixtures.

Modern commercial kitchen or break room with two people seated at a large island counter with wooden stools. Three pendant lights hang above the counter. The background features a large window with black frames, white cabinets, and plants. Tables and chairs are visible in both the foreground and background.

Refurbished office hallway with modern lockers, integrated greenery, and bright ceiling lighting.

Modern publishers office with meeting room in the background, meeting room to the left of the image and stairs to the right leading to a mezzanine workspace.

Refurbished office hallway with glass-walled conference room, integrated bookshelves, and curated children's book display—highlighting creative and functional workspace design.

Refurbished office space with wooden ceiling, built-in bookshelves, glass meeting room door, and custom fish-patterned flooring—highlighting creative interior design.

Indoor space featuring a tree in a large cylindrical planter, enclosed by glass walls. A meeting room with people seated around a table is visible in the background. The ceiling has wooden panels and recessed lighting.

Refurbished conference room featuring contemporary furniture, orange chairs, pendant lighting, built-in shelving, and integrated AV setup for professional meetings.

Exterior of Thames & Hudson London head office building with large windows, glass door, and visible interior featuring bookshelves and plants.

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.