The Poltrona Frau showroom occupies two floors of an ex-industrial grade 2 listed building in London’s Clerkenwell area. The space has been designed to display standard production pieces and showcase bespoke projects such as aeroplane and yacht interiors from the seven companies comprising the Poltrona Frau group.

Universal Design studio’s main objective was to realize a pure and calming display environment for the furniture while retaining the rough fabric of the existing industrial shell.  In order to make the basement a usable space, it was essential to create a strong spatial connection between the two floors. 

An opening was made in the ground floor for a wide and imposing staircase, which acts as both the centre of the project and the main display area.  The abstracting effect of the stair’s matt black finish and invisible connection details make it appear more as a large sculptural object rather than an architectural component.  The steps of the stair are solid oak timbers and simply rest upon the steel structure in stacks to form the treads and risers.

The Showroom’s built in flexibility allows it to play host to exhibitions, design events and day to day showroom activities seamlessly within the same space.