Nature plays an inspirational part in sociable co-work space

Project: Clockwise Southampton

Location: Southampton, United Kingdom

Award: Workspace Interiors: Studios, Co-Working Spaces & Home Offices, Gold, 2023

Design Practice: Hawkins\Brown

Client: Clockwise Southampton

Clockwise Southampton is a flexible co-working space designed to encourage members to interact, network and socialise. Combining the benefits of face-to-face interaction with the advantages of remote working, it includes a variety of different workspaces, ranging from enclosed private offices to single office pods and acoustically separated desk units with integrated planters and storage. There are also ‘zoom rooms’ with background and lighting for video calls, as well as a new terrace and café.

Situated in central Southampton, the project is ideal for locals, regional commuters and residents wishing to escape either the long, in-to-London commute, or the confines of home working.

Previously a tired, 1990s office space, Hawkins\Brown’s design focuses on reconnecting the building to its seaside heritage and other nearby green areas, offering an open, welcoming and inspiring space for its members.

Design highlights

The choice of natural tones and materials and the non-hierarchical organisation of the spaces make the building welcoming and homely. A new outdoor space acts as an extension of the club lounge and living plants in bespoke planters both externally and internally help people reconnect with natural elements. The new terrace activates the square, drawing locals into the cafe and creating a buzzy atmosphere.

Photo credit: Ruth Ward