Training Facilities & Breakout Spaces
The Brief
L&Q (London & Quadrant Housing Trust) is one of the UK’s largest housing associations and residential developers, providing affordable housing, social housing, private rental homes, shared ownership properties and housing management services across London, the South East and parts of the North West.
Following a competitive tender process, Ben Johnson Interiors was appointed to deliver the fit-out of a new flexible training suite within L&Q’s Central London office. The project was designed by This Is Interiors, with Ben Johnson Interiors selected to bring the design vision to life through the delivery and installation of the scheme.
The new facility was required to accommodate a wide range of functions, from small training sessions and meetings to larger theatre-style presentations, workshops and events. The space needed to be professional, adaptable and easy to use, while providing the performance required for multiple activities to take place simultaneously.
A key requirement was the ability to divide the suite into three independent rooms, with high levels of acoustic separation to ensure each space could operate without disruption. Flexibility, functionality and user experience were central to the brief, creating a versatile environment that could support L&Q’s evolving training and collaboration needs.
- Sector
- Training
- Location
- London
- Size
- 10000 sqft
- Duration
- 10 weeks
The Solution
Ben Johnson Interiors delivered the full fit-out package, coordinating all works on site and managing the logistical challenges associated with refurbishing a sixth-floor space within a busy Central London office.
The project included a full strip-out and site set-up, partitioning and bulkhead works, installation of high-performance movable wall systems, flooring finishes, mechanical and electrical works, comfort glazed partitions, feature joinery including kitchen and breakout facilities, and the coordination of key specialist packages throughout the programme.
Flexible Training Suite Design with Movable Walls, Breakout Spaces and Acoustic Performance
Designed around flexibility, the completed training suite can be quickly reconfigured to suit a variety of functions. Two movable wall tracks allow the space to operate as a large theatre-style training and event space or be divided into three separate meeting and boardroom environments, supported by dedicated breakout areas, a stage setting and collaborative workspaces.
Acoustic performance was central to the success of the scheme, with the movable wall system selected to achieve a 49dB acoustic rating, ensuring each room could operate independently without disruption. Additional acoustic treatments were incorporated above bulkheads to enhance performance in areas where extensive glazing limited opportunities for further acoustic finishes.
Flexible Training Facility Fit-Out with Collaborative Workspaces and Premium Workplace Design
The scheme also incorporated a number of premium design features, including a large breakfast bar island, feature lighting, black steel-framed joinery, timber slatted detailing, feature wallcoverings, ceramic tiling and two-tone vinyl flooring, creating a welcoming and professional environment that elevates the user experience.
Despite the challenges of sixth-floor access, constrained delivery arrangements and specialist crane lifts required for mechanical equipment, Ben Johnson Interiors successfully coordinated all aspects of the project with a strong focus on health and safety, communication and programme management to deliver a flexible, high-performing training facility for L&Q.
The Finished Project
The completed training suite gives L&Q a flexible, high-performing space in the heart of Central London. It can be adapted quickly for different formats, from individual meeting rooms to a larger open-plan event space, while maintaining the acoustic separation required for simultaneous use.
Through close collaboration with This Is Interiors and careful coordination of the fitout package, Ben Johnson Interiors delivered a practical, well-finished and adaptable training environment that supports L&Q’s operational needs now and into the future.
