In early 2024 Gort Scott were appointed to design the interior fit-out of The Portman Estate’s new head office as part of their move to One Great Cumberland Place, a 1920s building next to Marble Arch and Hyde Park. The project presented an exciting opportunity for The Portman Estate to reevaluate their working environment to serve the needs of both its people and the organisation, with the aim of fostering interaction and collaboration. From the outset, there was a key focus on wellbeing and environmental performance.

This new workspace project was forged through genuine collaboration. We led a programme of engagement involving The Portman Estate team, to guide and refine the design. This vital initial stage included workshops, surveys, and three days of on-site observation and documentation of the client’s existing workspace and work patterns. 

Insights from this consultation informed the design by identifying the need for efficient, agile solutions. It also helped prioritise the types and sizes of rooms to be included in the new office space, shaping their layout, functionality, and overall look and feel. We also gained deep insight into their organisational culture and identified opportunities for new, more fruitful working methods.

Sustainability is a key driver of the design, with the project aiming to set a benchmark for other commercial developments across The Portman Estate.

A primary focus is the use of materials with high recycled content or low-carbon materials, such as partitions made from Scandinavian redwood studs, wood fibre insulation, clayboard and clay plaster, which have been used to form meeting rooms, call pods, meeting booths, a kitchen and a wellbeing space. All materials and their associated carbon footprints have been measured and recorded by sustainability consultants Bioregional to contribute to The Portman Estate’s One Planet Action plan, ensuring the project achieves carbon neutrality with minimal offsetting. 

The design for Portman’s new Estate office balances openness with functionality by incorporating a variety of spaces, including large meeting rooms and one-person call booths to accommodate private meetings. The layout preserves expansive views of Hyde Park through careful placement of new rooms and the use of curved corners – a detail that also makes reference the building’s Art Deco heritage.

Careful attention to light quality, acoustics, indoor air quality (IAQ), the tactile qualities of the finishes, and warm colours creates a sensory-rich environment that supports mental and physical wellbeing. A dedicated wellbeing room supports diversity and inclusion by providing a quiet, retreated space.