B Corp certified workspace provider Uncommon has unveiled it’s largest and most ambitious building yet.
Uncommon Holborn is a retrofitted ten-storey building in London’s historic Holborn, offering 105,000 sq ft of flexible office solutions. With a drive to contribute to the well-being of their members and employees, through beautifully designed and eco-forward spaces, Uncommon offers a unique set of facilities and a tailored service that resembles the offering at a boutique hotel, demonstrating the future of shared office workspaces.
The heritage building has been redesigned with productivity and wellbeing at the forefront, prioritising natural light, expansive views, and abundant planting, inside and out.
Breathing new life into an old landmark
Templar House, which takes its name from the nearby Temple Church, built by the Knights Templar in 1118, is located just mere metres from Holborn Station and is the former home of London Underground Ltd.
The original 1950’s frame of the building has been retained by award-winning architectural practice, astudio, with interior designed developed by Quarterback, who have expanded the dated internal area of the building and transformed it into a best-in-class work environment. Windows across the building have been prioritised, meaning every office within will have far-reaching views across the city in an environment that supports productivity with copious amounts of natural light.
The high-quality spaces have been designed to enhance the member experience offering flexibility and wellbeing with integrated technologies. Members will be able to fully customise their private office space with the Uncommon curated in-house design team to suit their bespoke requirements.
Natural materials take centre stage
Materials used throughout were meticulously considered to align with the essence of the building and to ensure durability and longevity. The design of the original Templar House was honoured by embracing its inherent character. Architectural elements such as external scalloped accents were thoughtfully incorporated into the interior design, along with striking large bronze doors featuring an embossed lion emblem. This nod to the original design pays homage to the building’s heritage and adds a distinctive touch to the internal space.
Wellbeing-focused design
With a commitment to providing natural light to each office space within the building, the design of Uncommon Holborn evokes a sense of calm and wellbeing. “Bringing the outdoors in”, the building celebrates the benefit of abundant greenery and natural light on both its tenants physical and mental wellbeing. With space for self-reflection away from the distractions of daily life, the design embraces biophilia, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of the outdoors, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
A lush, “jungle-esque” environment runs across the main areas and rooftop of the building, intertwining with the workspace and connected by a spine of greenery spanning from ground to lower levels. The double-volume space and expansive ceiling evoke the feeling of an endless sky.
Quiet reflection is fostered on the serene lower-level workspace, conducive to introspection. Tranquil work areas, intimate meeting suites, and cosy corners are all centred around a bar that itself has transformative modes.
A time to Pause
Uncommon Holborn will also see its first public facing cafe-bar space open. Available to both members and non-members, Pause will offer a menu across the day and evening, featuring locally sourced produce and products, many of which are B Corp businesses. A place to convene, sit, think and discuss, the lack of electrical points means that this is an environment especially built for discourse and human connection.
Built with people and planet in mind
Sustainability was integral to the design and architecture from the outset, with careful consideration given to specifying products that not only excel in various regulations but also contribute positively to the environment. Including extensive work with FSC certified timber, renewable and considerably lower carbon footprint than other construction materials, volcanic ash counter-tops developed through slow design principles and local craftspeople, and re-use and enhancement of existing building materials (e.g the terrazzo tiling in the staircase). Responsibly sourced windows, glass partitions and plasterboard and wood have all be utilised throughout.
Collaborating with design consultant, Quarterback, all furniture has been specifically chosen to meet BREEAM (world’s leading science-based certification systems for sustainable built environments) Excellent requirements. Carbon offsetting initiatives run in tandem with the build, integrated into design practices to ensure a most positive contribution to the Uncommon community.
From the reception desk counter tops made from100% recycled materials, to the crockery on site from Yorkshire female potter, Victoria Brooks, who uses recycled clay in her projects. Uncommon Holborn is a culmination of the brand’s ongoing ethos of “collective effort for collective good”.
About Uncommon
Uncommon creates exceptional workspaces in central London with an emphasis on design, smart technology and members’ experience, in an environment that evokes creativity and productivity. Uncommon strives to create truly sustainable environments for their members, team, and partners to thrive in. They are B Corp certified and have a strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. Leading by example and encouraging others to make vital changes to how they operate. Uncommon has five locations across London, Highbury & Islington, Borough, Fulham, Liverpool Street, and Holborn.
