Our open workspace in Shoreditch

When, a few years ago, the London team of Clippings moved into the top floor of a shared office building in Shoreditch, the crew easily fitted into what was then one of a few smaller units. As the company grew, desks were added but the walls didn't move - yet.

Luckily, we got the opportunity to take over most of the loft, so we knocked on the door of our neighbours HÛT Architecture – who had worked on several residential and office projects with us – to ask them to help us upgrading our home.

The greatest potential presented the nature of the loft: the Victorian building features original metal-frame windows facing East, South and West as well as skylights, allowing plenty of natural light to shine into the room throughout the day. All internal walls got ripped out to create one open space without any dark corners. 

In terms of fit out, we specified height-adjustable desks from our partner Steelcase, so all colleagues now have the option to work standing. A large communal area features corner sofas to allow for casual working away from the desk. There’s also a small bistro area with furniture from Hay for lunch and coffee breaks with the City's skyline rising behind the windows.

London plant specialist Conservatory Archives filled the office with lush greenery that would thrive – on sunny days – in greenhouse-like conditions.

Throughout the office, sheer curtains can be opened or closed to separate the communal areas from the desks, creating a sense of privacy while keeping the atmosphere bright and fluid. 

"Within the large open-plan workspace, a network of curtains provide Clippings with a flexible and expandable office”, describes Hut the project. "The bespoke track allows for spaces to be reconfigured to suit individual working, collaborative meetings and full office events and exhibitions. A soft muted palette of light colours accentuates the bright open space, whilst extensive use of greenery brings a sense of calmness and wellbeing into the workspace."

Images: Emanuelis Stasaitis