Multi-level wooden structure frames meeting areas in London office by Threefold Architects
A 64-metre-long wooden structure was designed by Threefold Architects to create secluded workspaces, staircases and informal meeting areas inside this shared office building in south-east London.
![The Bridge by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/The-Bridge-by-Threefold-Architects_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
Known as The Bridge, the multi-level structure slots into a double-height space, uniting the two main office floors of the building that houses the headquarters for Bathroom Brands and fellow bathroom company Crosswater.
![The Bridge by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/The-Bridge-by-Threefold-Architects_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
"Conceived as a continuous folded surface, the 'bridge' is constructed from pre-fabricated cross-laminated timber," said Jack Hosea of Threefold Architects, whose past projects include a London record store and a countryside art studio.
![The Bridge by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/The-Bridge-by-Threefold-Architects_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
"It bridges between floors, encouraging horizontal and vertical movement across the office, connecting employees, departments and companies and creating a variety of spaces to meet, work and interact within," he added.
![The Bridge by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/The-Bridge-by-Threefold-Architects_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
At the lowest level of the structure, a series of small booths are sunken down below floor level. Featuring bright green upholstery, each one can accommodate one or two people at a time for quiet working or one-to-one meetings.
![The Bridge by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/The-Bridge-by-Threefold-Architects_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
A mezzanine level sits between the two storeys, framing a series of slightly larger meeting areas, including a set of wide steps that function as the seating area of an informal lecture space.
![The Bridge by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/The-Bridge-by-Threefold-Architects_dezeen_468_11.jpg)
Around 400 laser-cut wooden fins cover the surrounding walls and ceiling. These provide acoustic baffles, but also conceal service ducts and electrical cabling.
![The Bridge by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/The-Bridge-by-Threefold-Architects_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
Lighting fixtures sit between the white-painted fins, while fluorescent tubes hang vertically to offer additional illumination.
![The Bridge by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/The-Bridge-by-Threefold-Architects_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
Threefold Architects' renovation also included the addition of a cafe and terrace, including a bar known as "the man cave". These spaces can be used by both staff and visitors.
![The Bridge by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/The-Bridge-by-Threefold-Architects_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
Beyond the new office floor, London studio Coppin Dockray Architects has designed a new bathroom showroom, featuring an oval-shaped entrance chamber and a shimmering chandelier installation.
Photography is by Charles Hosea.
Project credits:
Fit Out Architect: Threefold Architects
Main Developer: Prologis
Project Manager: Savills
Structural Engineer: RPS Planning & Development (Main building), Aecon (Bridge)
Main Contractor: Winvic
CLT Contractor: Construction al Timber
Building Services: Walter Miles Electrical Engineers Ltd
Building Control: Salus
![The Bridge by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/01/140908_Bridge-Press-Release-20_dezeen.gif)