A carefully crafted workspace by Piercy & Company draws inspiration from London’s Brick Lane

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Photos
Jack Hobhouse

Piercy & Company, in collaboration with workspace provider For a, has transformed a former Victorian warehouse in Shoreditch, London, into more than 2100-square-metres of co-working and flexible office space organised across five floors. Intended to reflect the unique character of nearby Brick Lane, the space is layered with terraces providing views of the surrounding area, a lounge, kitchens and event space.

Founded by hospitality-entrepreneur Enrico Sanna and The Big Chill festival’s Katrina Larkin, Fora’s aim is to create high-quality workspaces that improve productivity, wellbeing and the occupant experience. The Princelet Street project is likened to a boutique hotel, where every item workers touch, sit on or use has been carefully considered.

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The former Victorian factory, which was constructed in the mid 1800’s and sits in the Fournier Street Conservation Area, has undergone comprehensive refurbishment, including internal reconfiguration. The space now features high levels of daylight and a focus on bespoke detailing. The architect and client worked alongside a team of British makers, including Realm Joinery and Darwen Terracotta, to create tactile, handcrafted interiors.

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Rather than adding lifts or looking to increase floor space, the architect has cut a void through the building for a folded, origami-like, suspended staircase. Painted oxide red, the feature stair maximises daylight and connectivity between the floors. A two-storey roof extension with added terraces provides a voluminous light-filled space for occupants to socialise both inside and out. On the ground floor, a stepped terrazzo lined event space has been introduced in the lobby, which is visible on entry from the street. A pleated roof space featuring north light glazing recalls the weaving lofts once common in the area.

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Bespoke details and furniture are employed throughout the space, including felt-pleated wall panelling designed to provide acoustic absorption, and curved seating areas and booths that appear to be carved into the wall. Commenting on the project, Piercy & Company director Pete Jennings said, “As a practice, craft is at our heart. In a crowded market, it’s the attention to detail and quality that will stand the test of time and create co-working spaces where people want to linger, to share ideas, and flourish. The finished space is a place where you want to spend time.”

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