216 St George’s Terrace is distinguished by its unique redbrick façade, a distinctive landmark in the city’s commercial precinct. Originally built in 1986, the lobby refurbishment marks the building’s 40th birthday. 

“Woods Bagot adopted a bold design approach that both preserves and modernises London House’s original architecture,” says Woods Bagot Project Lead Angela Kuroiwa. “The design pays homage to the space’s historic character while introducing a refined, contemporary aesthetic that elevates the user experience.” 

The design draws on old-world nostalgia with contemporary workplace design philosophy, blending elegance and elevated charm of the British tradition.  

Taking cues from boutique hotels rather than corporate towers, the palette layers rich timber, stone and aged bronze with carefully selected colour accents to create an environment that feels warm, tactile and refined. 

“Key features—such as the jarrah timber floors and elegant ceiling and wall mouldings—are retained and thoughtfully enhanced, complemented by a curated mix of timeless and characterful furniture pieces, layered fabrics and bespoke rugs that accentuate the building’s quintessential British charm,” continues Kuroiwa. “The design prioritises user comfort and modern touches, resulting in a welcoming and more accessible environment.” 

The grand entry portal anchors this experience with a commanding sense of height, visible from the length of St George’s Terrace. At the doorstep, a custom stone matwell with engraved London House lettering sets the tone from the moment of arrival, a quietly considered gesture that ties the new work back to the building’s fabric. 

A previously underutilised secondary area has been redefined as an art gallery space, reinforcing London House’s civic presence and opening the building to the broader community. Existing artworks inherited with the building have been conserved and reframed, while flexible hanging systems and integrated projection capability allow for future exhibitions and evolving cultural programming. 

“The art gallery was envisioned as more than a display space,” Kuroiwa says. “It’s a place that invites people in, whether they work in the building or are simply passing by, offering moments of pause, reflection and connection.” 

Craftsmanship and quality remained central throughout delivery. From the aged bronze cladding at the entry to exquisite furniture selections, bespoke custom rugs, and finely detailed joinery pieces, with each element being closely coordinated to ensure the finished outcome reflected the original design vision. 

Sirona Urban Managing Director Matthew McNeilly said the lobby reflects changing expectations around workplace design in Perth’s CBD. 

“As both tenants of the building and development managers working alongside Woods-Bagot to deliver this project, our vision was to create a series of welcoming experiences for guests and businesses within the building alongside a new London House brand. Mr McNeilly said. 

“Woods Bagot have delivered on this and we are so proud to call this building our home.” 

The redesign celebrates London House’s distinctive character while introducing contemporary spaces that support evolving ways of working anchored by culture-led amenity.

Photography by Jack Lovel

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Adrien Moffatt
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