Commercial Office

Rather than treating the project as a simple expansion, our founders saw an opportunity to reinvest in the people who have driven the company’s growth and shaped its success.

Their ambition became the guiding principle behind ACT’s new headquarters. Combining a traditional structure with modern performance, the building was reimagined as a people-first workspace that reflects how we operate, what we value, and the craftsmanship that defines our success. While known for delivering super-prime residential projects, the design vision here was intentionally different, underpinned by the idea of “stripped-back sophistication” that showcases quality construction at its core.

Combining a traditional structure with modern performance, the premises underwent a complete transformation in collaboration with architect State Studio. The works involved a full facade-retention renovation and complete gut-out, structural re-engineering, roof extension and an entirely new interior crafted by ACT’s in-house experts and long-standing trusted partners.

Through a strategic open-plan layout, intentional material selection, smart lighting and ventilation systems, the project team set out to provide an environment that nurtures creativity, supports wellbeing and encourages interaction.

The ground floor acts as the building’s centrepiece, showcasing ACT’s craft, culture and hospitality. Guests enter through the original crittall doors into a warm, inviting space defined by veneered fluted walnut joinery, terrazzo Tudorstone countertops, fluted glass doors and an antique bronze mirrored splashback. 

A bespoke winding metal staircase anchors the space, with precision oak joinery and exposed rafters complemented by a vibrant feature garden. Together, these elements set the tone for the building – thoughtful, crafted and timeless.

Delivering such a considered build within a historic mews came with its complexities. Planning restrictions, protected sightlines, and the need to upgrade the building’s envelope while respecting its character required careful coordination from start to finish.

Guided by ACT’s can-do attitude and collaborative approach, a series of intelligent solutions were implemented that met both regulatory guidelines and design needs.

Exposed Structural Detailing

In a conventional build the structural elements would be concealed, however ACT’s founders intentionally chose to expose the building’s structure, treating and installing it at a joinery-grade level.

Each padstone, floor joist and joist hanger had to be precisely set out and constructed in the knowledge that it would remain visible, demanding meticulous planning and millimetre-perfect execution. To achieve a clean and refined finish, the rear of each floor joist was housed out and fixed using four concealed pins –  resulting in a crisp, tidy structure, with only the very tips of the pins visible. This feature serves as a lasting legacy of ACT expertise: not only is this a time-intensive and costly process, it requires exceptional attention to detail and a high level of care throughout.

The completely uninsulated original walls required a strategic plan to upgrade the building’s thermal performance without comprising its original fabric. 

In collaboration with Ecological Building Systems, a breathable, moisture-open wall system was developed. Natural materials such as lime-based insulating plaster and wood fibre boards were used to improve insulation, regulate moisture and create a low-carbon, vapour-open solution that ensures long-term comfort.

The same approach guided the timber roof extension. High-performance membranes and wood-fibre insulation deliver airtightness and energy efficiency without relying on synthetic materials, while recyclable zinc cladding and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) joists provide durability with a reduced carbon footprint.

Together, these interventions preserve the building’s character while meeting modern performance standards in a sustainable, future-ready way.