Stride.VC Offices – London
HOP created a unique human-centric workspace for Stride.VC in London using Japandi and industrial elements, emphasizing comfort, sustainability, and a neutral color palette.
4 Grotto Passage provided a unique and quirky space within a mid-19th century school building. It was the perfect setting to create a soft and inviting interior in direct contrast to the industrial appearance of the exterior, contrasting the building’s unique history with Stride. VC’s modern and dynamic approach.
The design brief was to create a destination workplace with a residential warmth and high end hotel-like amenities; creating an experience that prioritises comfort, style, and wellness.
Combining the craftmanship and minimalism of Japandi interiors with the rawness of modern industrialism, dark and dramatic features perfectly complement a neutral backdrop of natural materials and a gentle colour palette.
The design uses an earthy and calm colour palette against a backdrop of light oak and timber. The social spaces feature darker, accent furniture pieces that are lush and dramatic. The ground floor collaborative space features a focal dark grey terrazzo bar, a monolithic joinery piece at the entrance for a striking arrival experience, and a minimal colour palette of browns, blacks, and greys.
With a focus on longevity and comfort, every element of the design has been carefully considered to look the part, and to work the part. From the bespoke joinery to durable materials throughout, everything has a hidden use and has been selected to create a stylish and sustainable environment.
The design prioritises creating a healthy workplace that is built to last through materiality, with a focus on longevity, air quality, acoustics, and light. The three floors are adorned top to bottom in timber to contribute to the natural and calming feel. With over a third of the contract value being joinery it was key to get this just right. FSC timber has been used to cover the walls, floors, ceilings, and columns. Walls not covered by timber have been painted in a natural chalk limewash with a low VOC content.
The meeting rooms feature Troldtekt acoustic ceiling panels that are made from 100% natural, certified wood, and are fully compostable. Beautiful Dye Lab carpets that are produced using natural dyes and from recyclable materials also feature.
The level of detailing is exceptionally high, with every piece of wood and veneer being graded and stained to match. Subtle shadow gaps within the joinery reflect existing datum heights to connect the new from the old.
The result is a space that is completely unique: raw, dramatic, yet impeccably chic.
Design: HOP
Lead Designer: Haley McLane
Photography: Kasia Fiszer
