Morson Group Apartment

In Association with AFL Architects:

As keen Manchester United sponsors and with Old Trafford within walking distance the Chairman of the Morson Group plc wanted to turn the small redundant attic space of this 100,000ft2 office into an ultimate entertaining space for regular pre-match ‘get-togethers’ and the occasional stay over. Whilst space was highly limited the brief was to include a cinema, wine cabinets and humidor as well as an array of technology for presentations.

Maximising the space was initially quite a challenge as the external structure was made up of sloping walls, which impacted on usable space. The area needed to be air conditioned, and the ceiling space finely detailed to accommodate this as well as the raised ceiling sections that we hand gilded and in which we housed a drop down cinema screen. UBER creatively overcame fire regulations by designing a mirrored wall with very carefully considered cuts in the glass to conceal a secret door. This acted as an alternative means of escape in the event of a fire.

The humidor and flanking wine cabinets with backlit onyx were bespoke designed by UBER acting as a backdrop to the dining table, and a key focal point in the main space. The cabinetry, which housed a multitude of functions, included all the AV equipment, a cocktail bar and writing desk, all inset with leather and tinted mirrors and all recessed into the wall.

The quality of materials used from the silk carpets to the bespoke settee and bathroom sanitary ware made this a very special project, but it was the great space planning that really made it. UBER created a circular conclusion to a hall corridor with curved door and casing as well as platinum foil architraves, skirting boards and a complete wall of cut mirror, which helped you, arrive centrally in the space and was key to getting the kitchen where we needed it.