• New café and reception at the award-winning and state of the art event space
• Bold and striking café design utilizing natural materials

Brief

The award-winning events and conference centre, Ortus, has over 1500 sqm of dedicated, flexible space with state-of-the-art technology and audio-visual equipment split over 7 levels. The newly developed venue, purpose-built to support the Maudsley Charity, is ideal for small or large conferences, meetings, courses, workshops lectures, or receptions.

The team at ifse were invited by the onsite team to put together a proposal to streamline the café, reception, and commercial kitchen area, that would lift the existing dark and under-utilized area. The existing stainless steel set up was cramped, cold, and out of keeping with the fabric of the surrounding space.

Result

Our designers put together a scheme for the new space that would compliment and enhance the existing benefits of the space by reconfiguring the flow of people into the building. By removing an existing wall that made the space feel dark; natural light would now flood the entire area, creating a more pleasant dining environment.

The existing stainless-steel servery was replaced with a concrete coffee and deli counter that featured a contemporary wood effect cladding on the counter frontage to compliment the industrial materials that were used elsewhere in the building.

The relocated café would now sit ‘pride of place’ and adjacent to the main entrance, enticing visitors with freshly-made cakes, sandwiches, snacks, and pastries on display. Additional counter display space was created for displaying these home-made products.

By repositioning the reception area directly in front of the main entrance, the flow of people into the facility is now easier to navigate with clear lines of sight into the café area and venue spaces. The reception counter also featured concrete cladding juxtaposed against dark wood tops to compliment the fabric of the building and create a connection between the café and the reception.

The result is a modern-industrial, bright inviting space that acts as a coffee destination for guests, staff, and the public alike.

Antoine Pierrat-Brichon, Manager at Ortus had the following to say about the work:

“Everyone involved in the project has been very pleased with the work of ifse. From initial contact all the way to completion, ifse has been very professional, flexible, thorough and caring. The result of the work is identical to the visual originally proposed, which is worth mentioning as not very common. Everything was delivered on time and on budget and no stone was left unturned. ifse expertise enable them to propose efficient solutions as problem arise, which is very useful”

Steven Hussey, Sales Manager at ifse who spearheaded the project added:

“The hospitality offer, and café are an integral part of the space at Ortus; feeding the community, the public and the events that are held there. Like always, it is a pleasure to work onsite caterer and the wider Ortus team”

Website – Ortus Conference and Events Venue 

Website – Ortus Café

Website – Vacherin Contract Catering 

Website – Maudsley Charity