Elsley House, Fitzrovia.
Nestled in the heart of London’s vibrant West End, Elsley House is a striking example of urban renewal. Originally serving the city’s historic ‘rag trade’—a hub for fashion and textiles—this five-storey building in Fitzrovia has been thoughtfully refurbished to meet the demands of modern commercial life. Today, it houses leading names from the marketing, media, and creative industries, offering them a space that combines architectural heritage with forward-thinking design.
The scale and sensitivity of the refurbishment demanded the involvement of experienced contractors with a track record of high-quality finishes and attention to detail. CDC Engineering was proud to be subcontracted to deliver key metalwork elements throughout the project.
One of the core tasks was the fabrication of all Fan Coil Unit (FCU) castings as part of the building’s upgraded heating and ventilation system. These systems were designed to be both high-performance and discreet, ensuring they integrate effortlessly into the building’s contemporary interiors. In fact, in many areas, the FCU units are so well-blended with the surroundings that they are virtually invisible—demonstrating a perfect union of functionality and design.
The FCU castings were crafted using mild steel and finished in a black powder coating, chosen both for durability and to complement the interior’s modern industrial palette. This same material and finish were extended to other custom-fabricated elements, including:
These additions help tie the building’s visual identity together, creating a cohesive and refined aesthetic throughout.
Elsley House now stands as a benchmark for adaptive reuse projects in central London—demonstrating how older commercial buildings can be repurposed to suit new uses without losing their character. CDC Engineering is proud to have contributed to this transformation, delivering expertly crafted metalwork that balances performance, subtlety, and design integrity.
