Jigsaw Kensington

Scope of Works

Jigsaw’s flagship store in the historic Barkers Building on High Street Kensington was fully refurbished and fitted out by Powells, combining heritage restoration with contemporary craftsmanship. Originally designed by Nigel Coates in the 1990s, the store’s interior was distinctively revived, with the Italian-made Lilium lights - also designed by Coates - acting as a sculptural centrepiece.

The scope included the restoration and reinstallation of original heritage materials, bespoke joinery design and manufacture of key elements such as the cash desk, floating shelves and wall panelling systems, and the specialist restoration of 250-year-old reclaimed elm flooring. Powells also delivered the construction of fitting rooms with custom finishes, recessed carpets, architectural lighting and full coordination of subcontractors, utilities and design development.

Sustainability was embedded throughout, with original features carefully reintroduced to meet modern standards. Over 80% of fixtures and fittings were manufactured in-house by Powells Joinery, enabling a seamless turnkey delivery. Working closely with Jigsaw, AMD Architects and Nigel Coates, every detail was refined on site.

Despite the challenges of working within a landmark building, the project was completed on budget and with minimal delays, culminating in a VIP reopening that reaffirmed the store as a flagship destination and showcased Powells’ expertise in heritage restoration, craftsmanship and design-led construction.

Client

Jigsaw

Scope of work

Retail

Timeline

12 weeks

Scope of Works

Client

Jigsaw

Scope of work

Retail

Timeline

12 weeks

Challenges

Delivering this project within a landmark building presented a series of unique technical and logistical challenges.

Access & Permits: Tight site access, strict loading windows and complex landlord utility requirements demanded precise planning and coordination from the outset.
Heritage Material Restoration: The 250-year-old elm flooring, reclaimed from Jigsaw’s former head office, arrived warped, twisted and aged. Each board was meticulously hand-selected, trimmed, filled and waxed. In the last few weeks of the project, further refinements were made to eliminate trip hazards and ensure the surface met modern durability standards.
Design Adjustments: A bold kidney-shaped cash desk, manufactured by Powells Joinery, required re-engineering at the last minute following a design change, with the team remaking the plinth under time pressure and carrying out a final light adjustment to achieve the desired finish.
Landmark Setting: As the Barkers Building is an iconic location, close liaison with multiple stakeholders and strict compliance with landlord requirements were essential to maintain programme and quality.

Key Results

Showpiece lighting: Statement Lilium fittings designed by Nigel Coates, crafted in Italy, adjustable via precision counterbalances to create a flowing sculptural feature throughout the store.
Reclaimed heritage materials: Original fixtures and finishes sandblasted, recoated, and reintroduced into the design for a modern finish with character.
Restored elm flooring: 250-year-old timber boards hand-finished and installed to meet public-use standards.
Turnkey delivery: Over 80% of fixtures, furniture and fittings manufactured by Powells Joinery, including cash desk, shelving and panelling.
Bespoke detailing: Fitting rooms finished in natural plaster with recessed carpets, draped curtains and large mirrors. LED lighting recessed into the elm flooring mirrors the curtain lines.
Craftsmanship throughout: Ornate hooks and hanging systems produced by specialist guild metalworkers.
Seamless coordination: Proactive liaison with subcontractors and utility providers kept the project on track in a complex environment.
Landmark destination: A heritage retail location reimagined with contemporary elegance.

Quote

“The transformation of Jigsaw Kensington celebrates the beauty of craft, heritage and contemporary British design.
The showpiece lighting sets the tone, the restored elm flooring tells a story, and the attention to detail throughout creates a truly boutique retail experience.”