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Premium workspace provider Fora has completed its latest project in a former Victorian warehouse on Princelet Street in Shoreditch. Designed in collaboration with architect Piercy&Company, the space now provides 23,000 sq ft of purpose-built co-working and flexible workspace across five floors.

Designed to reflect the unique character of Brick Lane, the space is layered with terraces offering views of the surrounding area, alongside a Residents’ lounge, kitchens and a contemporary event space.

Founded by The Big Chill festival co-founder Katrina Larkin and hospitality-entrepreneur Enrico Sanna, Fora’s aim is to create spaces which improve productivity and well-being by focussing on exceptional quality and above all else, the Resident experience. Fora is leading the workspace revolution by bringing together the best of hospitality, members club-style services, high-end design and innovative technology. The design of its Princelet Street location is akin to a boutique hotel where every item the discerning Residents will touch, sit on and use has been carefully considered.

 

The former Victorian factory, which was constructed in the mid 1800’s and sits in the Fournier Street Conservation Area, has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment including clever internal reconfiguration to enhance the quality of the building. The space now features high levels of natural light and a focus on bespoke detailing. Fora and Piercy&Company have worked alongside a team of British makers including Realm Joinery and Darwen Terracotta to create a contemporary space with wonderfully tactile, handcrafted interiors throughout.

Rather than adding lifts or looking to increase floor space, Piercy&Company boldly cut a void through the building for a sculptural suspended staircase constructed in a folded origami-like structure. The oxide red feature staircase has created a dynamic central space that maximises natural light and connectivity between floors. A lofty two-storey roof extension with added terraces has also been introduced, providing a voluminous light-filled space for Residents 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 entrance from the street.

 

The rich heritage of the surrounding area includes a history of textiles manufacturing with Princelet Street once the home to a community of French silk weavers’ houses. Engaging with the inherent character and unique heritage of the area, a pleated roof space featuring north light glazing recalls the weaving lofts once common in the area.

Bespoke furniture created by Piercy&Company sits 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, designed to maximise light, space and material aesthetic.

Katrina Larkin, Co-Founder of Fora, commented: “We are excited to launch our eighth Fora space and our first in Shoreditch – one of London’s leading creative districts. The refurbishment of Princelet Street presented a fantastic opportunity to restore a historic building and transform it into a contemporary workspace in keeping with the diversity of the local area. Princelet Street delivers everything our Residents are looking for in a characterful, modern and motivational workspace.”

 

Pete Jennings, Director at Piercy&Company, 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. Brick Lane has a fascinating history and our approach has allowed us to create a co-workspace that preserves the historical heritage of the area but allows a bold look to the future for a growing and discerning business community”.

To date, Fora has curated seven other flexible workspaces in locations including Clerkenwell, Borough, Reading, Fitzrovia, Soho and nearby Spitalfields and is continuously seeking new development opportunities throughout London