Modern Furniture in Johnson's Schlumberger Building | BassamFellows

This early example of International Style architecture, designed by Philip Johnson, was restored by the design and restoration firm BassamFellows. The building was abandoned for several years and required major work, including all services.

The Schlumberger Research Center Administration Building was Philip Johnson’s first non-residential building, designed in 1951 and completed in 1952. The building housed the executive team and an elite group of research scientists for the oil exploration and drilling equipment company.

This single-story, steel-glass-and-brick building, constructed over an underground storage/garage, has a rectangular plan that consists of perimeter offices organized around a central core that contains an open-air landscaped courtyard, glass glass-enclosed conference room, and a library. Around the central core is a wide, skylight-covered corridor allowing circulation between the perimeter offices and bringing abundant natural light throughout the space.

BassamFellows completed an 8-year project to acquire, restore, and repurpose this landmark office building in Connecticut for use as the company’s headquarters, design studio, and showroom. As the building was abandoned and empty for more than 10 years, the restoration work was extensive and touched virtually every surface and all major services.

BassamFellows incorporated the Asymetric Large Sofa, the Circular Coffee Table and the Geometric Chair in one of the building's living room areas, the Pebble Stool, the, their Day bed, the Museum Bench, the firm's signature Tractor Stool, the Spindle Chair, and the Wood Frame Armchair.

By converting areas that were originally designed as secretarial pools, BassamFellows created large lounge areas that serve as collaborative spaces. This minor change gives the building a mix of private vs. public space and feels completely in step with contemporary ways of working. The company integrated its signature furniture pieces into the modern architectural language of the landmark building.

More Modern-inspired furniture pieces can be found at the Architonic BassamFellows site, and more of their restorations at BassamFellows.