Work.Life – Typewriter

We were so excited when Work.Life asked us to transform The Typewriter Building at 140 Borough High Street into their largest coworking space to date. Built in 1956 for a typewriter manufacturer, the building was rich in character but needed a modern twist to meet the needs of today’s flexible work culture. The challenge was clear: preserve its mid-century charm while creating a vibrant, adaptable space that would bring people together and spark creativity.

Project in Brief

• Transformed 22,000 sq ft into distinct, functional work zones.
• Merged Work.Life’s playful brand with the building’s 1950s heritage.
• Created a modern, welcoming environment for collaboration and community.

Hitting the Right Keys

The building’s original features, like staircases and balustrades, stayed front and centre. The ground floor became a welcoming hub, with a teapoint bar inspired by 1950s rattan and timber design. Above, the winter garden flooded with skylights features a bespoke seating area and a central tree, creating a refreshing and collaborative space for Work.Life members.

Just like a typewriter’s rhythm, the space flows effortlessly between zones. We created three distinct areas: Social and Community spaces, Heads-Down zones for focus, and Heads-Together spaces for collaboration. Each floor has its own unique colour scheme, offering something different while staying true to Work.Life’s brand and the building’s history. The layout encourages movement and connection, with communal teapoints and breakout spaces throughout the building.

Typing Up the Future

We’ve turned The Typewriter Building into more than just a coworking space, it’s a creative hub. The design has integrated modern amenities with the building’s rich history, creating a space that inspires creativity, sparks collaboration, and supports long-term sustainability. From energy-efficient lighting to the reuse of materials, we’ve crafted a space that looks to the future without compromising the past. Every corner is designed to bring people together, encouraging a sense of community that drives innovation and success.