The former BBC headquarters in London, known as Television Centre, has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. What was once a hub of broadcasting and production for some of the country’s most iconic shows has been transformed into a luxurious residential complex.

The history of Television Centre dates back to the ‘50s when it was first built to accommodate the growing needs of the BBC. However, in 2007, the decision was made to sell the building, and it was eventually purchased by property developers in 2012.

The redevelopment project was a significant undertaking that involved the work of some of the UK’s leading architects and designers. The goal was to transform the building from a commercial hub into a modern, high-end residential development. Today, the former TV Centre boasts nearly 1,000 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom penthouses.

The apartments are spread across seven buildings, each with its own unique design and character. The development also features a range of amenities, including a private cinema, health club, and landscaped gardens. Despite the significant changes to the building, the developers have worked hard to maintain much of its original character and charm.

The famous ‘doughnut’ building, which was once the centre of the BBC’s broadcasting activities, has been transformed into a luxurious lounge and entertainment space for residents to enjoy. The redevelopment of Television Centre has been hailed as a major success, not just for the property developers but also for the local community.

The presence of hundreds of new residents has boosted the economy of the area, and the development itself has become a major attraction for tourists and architecture enthusiasts from around the world. Overall, the transformation of the old BBC HQ into a residential complex serves as an excellent example of how historic buildings can be repurposed and given a new lease of life in the modern era.

The designers wanted to feature two distinct colour palettes for residents to choose from. To honour the heritage of the site and provide a warm, yet decadent experience for any who enter the building, they wanted to use herringbone parquet.

Says The Solid Wood Flooring Company: ‘For the colour palettes, they first chose our White UV Oiled Oak herringbone which comes in 15mm thickness x 120mm wide x 600mm long. This distinctive larger format herringbone parquet is sympathetic to classic parquet of yesteryear with the welcome advantages of modern production methods to offer a contemporary feel for the homes of the future.

White herringbone parquet is a classic flooring style that has been around for centuries. It’s a type of parquet flooring that is created by laying small rectangular pieces of wood in a pattern that resembles the bones of a herring fish. This type of flooring is known for its durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal.

‘The white colour of the parquet adds to the beauty of the herringbone pattern, making it stand out and giving it a sleek and modern look. Many homeowners prefer white herringbone parquet because it can easily complement any decor style, whether traditional or contemporary. It also adds a touch of elegance to any space, whether it’s a living room, dining room or bedroom. One main advantage of white herringbone parquet is its versatility.

‘It can be installed in various ways, including a diagonal or parallel pattern, giving it a more customised look. It is also available in different sizes, allowing homeowners to choose the perfect size for their space. Another advantage of white herringbone parquet is its durability. Unlike other types of flooring, such as carpet or vinyl, herringbone parquet can withstand heavy foot traffic and can last for years with proper maintenance.

‘For the second colour palette our Black American Walnut herringbone was chosen. As with the White Oak, the dimensions for this product are 15mm thick x 120mm wide x 600mm long.
Black American Walnut herringbone is a beautiful and unique type of hardwood flooring that is perfect for creating a luxurious and sophisticated look in any space. Black American Walnut is a hardwood species that is known for its rich, dark colour and beautiful grain patterns.’

The wood is often used for high-end furniture, cabinets, and flooring owing to its durability and beauty. One benefit of Black American Walnut herringbone is its durability. Hardwood flooring is known for its longevity, and black American Walnut is no exception.

Concludes SWFC: ‘It’s a hard, dense wood that is resistant to scratches and denting, making it a great option for high-traffic areas. With proper care and maintenance, Black American Walnut herringbone flooring can last for decades. Another advantage of Black American Walnut herringbone is its versatility. The rich, dark colour of the wood can complement a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern.

‘These two products have been installed for several years now and are preforming well, the designers, developers, contractors and residents are very happy with not just the aesthetics of these hardwood floors but also the ease of care and maintenance.’
www.thesolidwoodflooringcompany.com