Universal Design Studio

Two distinct concepts underpin the design philosophy for United House; the juxtaposition of indoor versus outdoor, and the aesthetic influence of Notting Hill’s local residences and eclectic inhabitants. United House was The Office Group's 40th building to open within the UK and the third building we designed in collaboration with the workspace provider, following the reconfiguration of former Met Police building Tintagel House in Vauxhall and Wardour Street in Soho.

Worked alongside TOG’s in-house design team to transform 41,000 sq ft across four storeys into a dynamic and light-filled workspace, housed within a 1960s concrete framed building, which also recently underwent a substantial extension project. Designed to appeal to local creatives and businesses, the space now accommodates companies that range from four to 1,000 employees.

RECOGNITION

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"As one of the first flexible workspaces in Notting Hill, we wanted the design of United House to pay homage to the unique character of the local area and its residents." —Nasim Köerting, former Head of Design at The Office Group

We devised two distinct concepts to underpin the design philosophy for United House; the juxtaposition of indoor versus outdoor, and the aesthetic influence of Notting Hill’s local residences and eclectic inhabitants.

Distinctive areas within United House have been markedly influenced by the outdoors and local urban fabric, including the building’s communal spaces, which benefit from natural light and combine a variety of tiled finishes, such as handmade quarry tiles and mosaic floor tiles, with soft and warmer materials to create distinctive shared experiences. The private offices and meeting rooms incorporate large windows reminiscent of residential bay windows and mews style entrances respectively throughout the floors. Timber-framed rattan screens that line the route between the main co-working lounge, providing additional privacy and layering, are featured against a soft colour palette of light grey and green hues, complementing the dark end grain timber flooring and panelling. An abundance of indoor planting and use of natural materials add depth and movement to the space, replicated in the soft, organic shapes of the furniture and grain of leather and linen upholstery.

RECOGNITION

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The iconic interiors of nearby historic Victorian terraced houses that fringe United House served as a rich tapestry of inspiration for the workspace’s meeting rooms, lounges and break-out areas. Creating a ‘home from home’ style of working environment, comfortable domestic features such as luxurious deep pile carpets and bookshelves are the backdrop to bespoke artworks, vintage furnishings, colour pop feature walls and handmade tiling, with every detail crafted and considered to reflect the characterful fabric of the local residences.

A series of bespoke pocket lounges are interspersed throughout United House, each communal area designed individually with varying collections of furniture and one-off pieces. In keeping with Notting Hill’s local spirit, United House’s furniture selection has been curated to evoke the feel of a personal residence, layered with a mix of timeless yet eclectic furnishings collected over years; a mix of one-off vintage pieces, contemporary classics and furniture from young, independent designers.

"The design is highly contextual and centred around humanness, in large part informed by the surrounding area’s character to create a welcoming and spirited destination for members." —Paul Gulati, Director at Universal Design Studio