A striking, two-storey, co-working space for new operator bubbleHUB, located within a characterful former pump house building in the centre of St Albans aimed at those living in the city, working in isolation, running small independent businesses or currently commuting into London.

To create a unique and aspirational space, responding to the historic building envelope and with a feel that is part private members’ club and part workspace with a relaxed, home-from-home feel, incorporating a touchdown, relaxation hub with events bar and hireable meeting room, as well as dedicated upper storey quieter work stations.

Working with all the challenges of the unknown in a former historic industrial building meant being prepared for surprises, as well as working around limitations. Ensuring maximum natural light ingress to the rear of the ground floor for example meant installing walk-on glazed panels at the rear of the first floor. Building fabric, including a portion of the Victorian foundations and existing brickwork, were exposed and made into features.