BBC Television Centre in London

The BBC TV Centre at Wood Lane in London is internationally famous for its television output over many years. Completed in February 2015, much of the interior was extensively redesigned by HOK architects, with refurbishment and construction carried out by the BDL Group, one of the largest specialist dry-lining contractors in the UK.

HOK has created a workplace specifically designed to increase productivity, lower costs and improve sustainability. It accommodates over 1,200 employees in an open and flexible environment that facilitates collaboration between different functions.

The HOK design team applied an industrial theme throughout the redevelopment process, leaving the internal structure and services exposed. Generous floor-to-ceiling heights are balanced by predetermined enclosure zones, which preserve the open nature of the rooms whilst maintaining sightlines across each floor.

In order to increase space, the designers moved everything out of the centre including the four lift cores which were replaced by a central spiral staircase. This is used by the majority of people as their main circulation route, connecting each of the six office floors and creating a visual link between levels. A light-rich atrium is also located at the core of the building, creating a focus point where employees can meet.

One of the key factors was to ensure that noise was kept to a minimum and resonance reduced to ensure a pleasant and calm environment over the very large areas. The solution was high performance Troldtekt acoustic panels used to line all the ceilings and the soffit around the circular atrium. The panels were fitted to wood battens fixed on the underside of the concrete floors. Prior to fixing, the fine structure panels were factory spray-painted by Troldtekt in a light grey finish.

Commenting on the finished project, BDL managing surveyor Elliot Bryant said, “We found that these panels were very easy to handle and install. We were also impressed with their acoustic performance and attractive unifying appearance.”