Melding an artist's vision with a London landmark

DEBENHAMS OXFORD STREET

This 34,374 square-metre store is one of the most famous buildings on London's exclusive retail high street.

RLB’s design team worked closely with acclaimed artist, Ned Kahn, to produce a unique design.
The ‘kinetic façade’ transformed the existing building into a ‘large piece of permanent art’, including a bespoke over-cladding system with suspended aluminium panels, that appear to ripple and shift in the wind.
Not only did it suit this flagship department store, but it reflected the aspirations of the client, and the design philosophy of the tenant.
Wates Construction Limited was appointed to carry out the works for a contract sum of £9.8 million and a project duration of 54 weeks.
The store continued to trade throughout construction.