XAL Showroom and Offices – London
Workplace Creations transformed a historic Shoreditch railway arch in London into XAL’s showroom and offices, skillfully blending industrial charm with modern elegance to create an immersive, multifunctional lighting hub.
When Austrian lighting specialists XAL decided to open a new UK showroom, they chose a striking site beneath Transport for London’s historic Shoreditch railway arches. Just a stone’s throw from their previous premises, the location offered heritage and character but came with significant constraints. Their vision was to create a combined showroom, immersive exhibition space, and office that honoured the industrial fabric of the site while delivering immaculate finishes. With a core audience of architects and interior designers, every detail needed to be flawless under the glare of their innovative lighting products.
Working within a protected heritage site presented challenges. Transport for London prohibits any penetration of the arches, limiting structural interventions. Despite these constraints, the project required a steel mezzanine, dynamic lighting displays, and premium finishes, all while ensuring fire safety compliance and efficient spatial flow.
Guided by an ambitious concept from Austrian studio FIPE, our role was to bring this vision to life without compromise. We collaborated closely with XAL, their lighting specialists, and our contractor network to overcome technical limitations. The mezzanine was designed to be entirely self-supporting, avoiding any structural impact on the arches, and fire safety treatments were applied meticulously to all exposed metal. Despite a modest footprint of 4,000 sq ft, including 750 sq ft of outdoor space, the showroom, workspace, immersive experience area, and event zone were strategically planned and delivered to a premium specification reflecting XAL’s commitment to design excellence.
The final space achieves minimalist elegance while celebrating the industrial authenticity of the arches. Exposed brickwork and industrial steel are paired with clean lines and precise detailing to create a contemporary yet characterful environment. Bespoke joinery elements include a custom-made reception desk and tea point, complemented by striking wall graphics. Lighting is showcased throughout the space, hanging, wall-mounted, recessed, and illuminating stairways to demonstrate the full versatility of XAL’s range. The Experience Room offers an immersive demonstration area, while the landscaped outdoor zone with decking, seating, planting, and a trellis provides an inviting space for informal meetings, social gatherings, and client events.
XAL’s Shoreditch showroom is far more than a display space. It has become a multifunctional hub that drives brand engagement and sales. Visitor numbers have surpassed previous records since XAL began trading in the UK. The curated environment allows clients to experience the full lighting range in context, enhancing understanding and purchasing confidence. The dedicated exhibition area and outdoor space have enabled XAL to host thought leadership events, fostering deeper client relationships. Most importantly, increased footfall has directly translated into higher sales, proving the success of this technically complex and beautifully executed project.
Design: Workplace Creations
Photography: Paul Karalius
Now editing content for LinkedIn.