• United House, a distinctively designed flexible workspace created by TOG (The Office Group) www.theofficegroup.com

    United House, a distinctively designed flexible workspace created by TOG (The Office Group) www.theofficegroup.com

  • United House, a distinctively designed flexible workspace created by TOG (The Office Group) www.theofficegroup.com

    United House, a distinctively designed flexible workspace created by TOG (The Office Group) www.theofficegroup.com

  • United House, a distinctively designed flexible workspace created by TOG (The Office Group) www.theofficegroup.com

    United House, a distinctively designed flexible workspace created by TOG (The Office Group) www.theofficegroup.com

  • United House, a distinctively designed flexible workspace created by TOG (The Office Group) www.theofficegroup.com

    United House, a distinctively designed flexible workspace created by TOG (The Office Group) www.theofficegroup.com

  • United House, a distinctively designed flexible workspace created by TOG (The Office Group) www.theofficegroup.com

    United House, a distinctively designed flexible workspace created by TOG (The Office Group) www.theofficegroup.com

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Studios, Co-Working Spaces & Home Offices

The Office Group opens its first flexible workspace in Notting Hill

United House marks The Office Group’s 40th building now open in the UK

by Georgina Johnston 28 September 2020

The Office Group’s (TOG) design team collaborated with Universal Design Studio to transform the four storey, 41,495 sq ft building into a vibrant, light-filled workspace that will house companies ranging from two to 500 employees. Aware that workspaces need to adapt to a post COVID reality, United House will implement TOG’s robust policies on social distancing and hygiene as well as delivering sustainability, with the design team incorporating eco friendly materials and practices into the DNA of the workspace.

Two distinct themes underpin the design philosophy for United House; a sense of ‘indoor, outdoor’ runs through communal spaces and architectural features, whilst the eclectic, vibrant homes of Notting Hill, and their inhabitants, have provided the inspiration for closed rooms and accent furnishings.

The design team’s commitment to bringing the outside in is evident throughout United House; communal spaces are flooded with natural light, whilst sheer screens and bold patterns partition different zones. Large windows reminiscent of the bay windows of the surrounding residential properties are prevalent on the second floor of the workspace. With emphasis being given to naturality, the design team incorporated sustainable materials and practices at every opportunity they could, using materials which have a smaller carbon footprint like clay quarry tiles and hardwood timbers.

The lounge and coworking spaces feature a softer palette than closed rooms. Materials such as timber coexist with an abundance of indoor planting to encourage a sense of openness. This is replicated in the furniture itself; soft organic shapes with grain of leather and linen upholstery contrast against a harder, modern metal structure to create a striking and dynamic feel.

The iconic Victorian terraced houses that fringe United House, and the creatives that live within them, also provided the design team with a rich tapestry of inspiration. From meeting rooms accented with playful, bespoke artworks, to communal lounges and breakout areas featuring unique vintage furnishings and exposed beams. Every detail has been crafted to reflect the characterful living spaces of the local residents, offering TOG members a truly distinctive flexible working environment.

This neighbourhood-centric design philosophy is perhaps felt most in the meeting rooms, booths and studios, where vibrant pops of colour adorn walls and brighten furnishings, a nod to the eclectic treasures found at nearby Portobello Road Market.

By researching the context of the neighbourhood and the people living within it and translating our findings into the design features of United House, we’ve achieved a truly unique finish that offers style and substance in equal measure.

N. Koerting, Head of Design, TOG

Reaffirming TOG’s mission to create spaces that enhance wellbeing, United House will also house a bespoke wellness studio on the third floor. In partnership with immersive meditation experts OPO, the Mindful Lounge will offer members the chance to take some time out from the hustle and bustle of daily life, with soundscapes played throughout the day and a detailed programme of classes and events, from yoga sessions to acupuncture. Once launched, members will also be able to connect with their surroundings outside of the Mindful Lounge via the OPO app, with additional sessions paired to various ‘Luna’ touchpoints in the building.

For United House, our latest collaboration with TOG, we wanted to reimagine the building’s interior to be a professional and vibrant workspace, which benefits from the comforts familiar to a domestic setting and outdoor elements that we often turn to for inspiration as a break from traditional offices. 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.

P. Gulati, Director, Universal Design Studio

The Office Group has also joined forces with wellness experts OPO to launch an immersive Mindful Lounge in United House. It's the latest addition to our range of wellness amenities across our buildings, allowing you to relax and recharge during your work day.

You can find some free meditation taster sessions here.


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