Due to the buildings’ historic interest, the refurbishment of the Institute Francais was kept under close scrutiny by the borough’s conservation officers. The reinstatement of stepped cornice and fluted columns required detailed research to ensure the final design reflected its original look and feel.
A key element of the works was to uncover and expose original features that had been covered during many years of neglect. From wrought iron doors, original faience glazing and marble floors were painstakingly repaired, refreshed and renovated to create a classic space suitable for the buildings’ current requirements.
A significant joinery package of acoustic wall and ceiling cladding, together with a reception desk, incorporates an audio visual installation capable of showing cinema quality media, to maximise the use of the space in years to come.
The foyer provides access to the two cinemas on the first and lower ground floors, which now benefit from step free access via the new lift installed. Café Tangerine on the ground floor has benefitted from a new entrance, including Crittal style doors. The same style Crittal doors have also been added to the entrance lobby to ensure secure Covid compliant access and egress points.
The conversion of back of house office space into a new School Activites Room maintains the established links with the Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle.
With a number of French benefactors, the scheme included classical elements of French furnishings to provide an authentic feel.
“Working with Verity Interiors on the interior refurbishment at the Institut Francais, they have been very responsive and extremely well organised managing their supply chain, sub-contractors and communications with the client and professional team. The quality of workmanship and attention to detail is clearly very important to them, to ensure the clients requirements and standards are met on every aspect of the project.
We have worked with two of the Directors, James Bowden and Rob Aspland for many years and enjoy a good working relationship and consistent approach to all projects”
Ken McFarlane,
McFarlane Latter Architects
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