Structure Tone wins Gold for fit-out of Donovan Data Systems

Structure Tone UK has scooped Gold in the AIS Contractors Awards for the interior fit-out of Donovan Data Systems’ 35,000 sq ft European headquarters on the first floor of the Blue Fin Building, Southwark SE1.

The work was completed in late 2007 and the building remained occupied on other floors throughout the seven-month process.

Technology company Donovan supplies systems and software to the advertising industry worldwide and wanted its new headquarters to reflect its innovative applications as well as the forward-looking industry it serves.

The office is open plan, which is in keeping with the company's non-hierarchical style of working. The striking office canteen overlooks Tate Modern. The canteen is also home to two red telephone kiosks, a reference to architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who designed both the original kiosk and Bankside Power Station, now Tate Modern. Other design features include revolving banquette seating, red floor tiling made of recycled glass, reglit glass facade to the data centre and the first use of timber veneered acoustic ceiling panels in a commercial office space.

Guest judge Jack Pringle, partner at Pringle Brandon commented: 'The design has been immaculately implemented by StructureTone and their team to the transparent delight and satisfaction of the client ' whose brief has been clearly met. Timber acoustic ceilings, crystalline quiet rooms and spinning "waltzer" caf?? tables are only upstaged by (appropriately for a data company) a truly obsessively well constructed data room. Reduced energy consumption and recycled materials attest to the importance paid to the green agenda.'

Henry Lawson, president, Donovan Data Systems said: 'Our new office gave us an opportunity to create a working space that's not only comfortable and efficient but which is also at the cutting edge of environmental initiatives. We're delighted that StructureTone has been recognised for its outstanding work on the project.'

Dean Manning, Managing Director of Structure Tone UK said: 'We're absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious award. We took a collaborative approach to this project working with the architect and design teams to deliver a truly first class office for Donovan.'

The AIS Contractors Awards are held annually by the Association of Interior Specialists (AIS) to encourage and promote high levels of craftsmanship and design.