Interaction delivers premium coworking space for x+why in Clapham
Bath-based workplace design and build company Interaction has delivered a new private members’ club and coworking space on behalf of flex space provider x+why in one of Clapham’s most iconic buildings.
Working to x+why’s cutting-edge design brief, Interaction has fitted out 22,000sq ft of high-end flexible workspace on the third floor of the landmark Arding & Hobbs building, a grade II listed former department store dating back to 1910. The building’s period details have been preserved and celebrated throughout the design.
The newly refurbished space features Clapham’s only private members’ club and restaurant – The Arding Rooms – alongside private serviced offices, dedicated desking, meeting rooms, breakout spaces, an events venue, and a rooftop terrace boasting panoramic views across London.
One of the standout design features is the building’s domed roof light, flooding the space with natural light, while the iconic clocktower will be transformed into a rooftop bar. The solid oak herringbone flooring has been selected to complement the historic features of the building.
Where possible, Interaction has used reclaimed materials and products throughout the workspace, including a reclaimed Victorian fireplace and original brass features.
The Bath-based office design firm worked closely with other local suppliers and craftspeople on the project, supporting small businesses in the South West of England.
They include Newbigin Signs in Bath who hand-painted signage throughout the Clapham space; natural paint brand Atelier Ellis, who supplied quality, biobased paints; Felix Lighting who crafted bespoke, period-inspired lighting; and Berdoulat, an interior design studio that collaboratively designed some of the key joinery pieces.
This is Interaction’s first collaboration with x+why, which operates 14 flexible workspaces across London and in Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes and Leeds. Both Interaction and x+why are certified B Corporations, having met high standards of verified social and environmental performance.
Martha Gray, Interaction
Martha Gray, Creative Lead at Interaction, said, “This is a truly unique workspace that balances quality with history and sustainability, creating a new, vibrant community with a residential twist in the centre of Clapham.
“Working precisely to x+why’s innovative design, the aim was to preserve the building’s rich heritage. It’s rare to work on a site with so much character, and we’ve taken great care to preserve those special architectural features while introducing a premium design that will inspire the community for years to come.
“It’s brilliant to see so many Bath-based makers coming together on a project of this scale in London – it speaks to the exceptional strength of craftsmanship our city has to offer.”
Patrick Williams, Berdalout founder, said, “x+why approached us as they wanted the furniture to honour the building’s past. We took inspiration from 18th and 19th century below-stairs joinery, crafting dressers and tables that feel both historic and timeless.”
Pictured: (Top of page) x+why’s new private members’ club and coworking space in Clapham, designed by Interaction.
