Portview Fit-Out has completed its first project for US-based homes and interiors retailer West Elm.

The 12,000 sq ft store on London's Tottenham Court Road is West Elm's first foray into the European market and was designed to the company's international brand specifications by Zebra Design.

Executed in a 16-week programme by Belfast-based Portview's 30-strong team of specialist trades and sub-contractors, the fit-out contract involved extensive strip-out and structural works required to bring the former store up to standard.

The corner site store was refurbished throughout. Works included moving the main staircase and exposing the internal brickwork to achieve the natural effect that is central to the West Elm identity.

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With nature a key theme throughout the store, the West Elm feature "living wall" was installed around the staircase. Lighting and watering mechanisms for more than 4000 plants were fitted by a Canada-based specialist sub-contractor, ensuring that the greenery remains at its best in all conditions year-round.

Portview Contract Manager, Paul McGovern, said: "This was a great collaborative effort by a truly international team. We managed the project working with the client in the US, the designers in Dubai and London and the plant specialist from Canada to deliver a stunning new concept to the UK market. We even flew to Montreal ahead of commencement on-site to view a recently completed project there in order to fully understand the client's ultimate aspirations for the London store.

"There are always challenges with a refurbishment project such as this, and we had to be flexible with aspects including the ceilings, but the finished product is a great addition to this busy retail location."

(CD/IT)