A Look Inside Oaklands House’s New London Office

Residential care provider Oaklands House hired workplace design firm Oktra to design their new office in London, England.

“We transformed the property by incorporating the former retail unit into an expanded reception area. The new space is designed to be warm, welcoming, and community-focused, offering tenants an informal meeting zone that doubles as a breakout space. The redesign also introduced modern cyclist facilities, including updated stairwells, showers, and a drying room, to enhance user convenience and wellbeing. Biophilic elements were woven throughout the design, with natural materials like timber and vibrant planting—including a green wall—creating a connection to nature and a sense of calm.

To meet sustainability goals, we replaced the mechanical and electrical systems, upgraded lighting to energy-efficient LEDs, and used sustainable materials such as Durat tabletops made from recycled plastic. The space was further elevated with a rebranding effort that included a new logo, external window vinyls, and tenant boards inspired by the building’s architecture, giving the property a distinct identity and greater visibility at its prominent crossroads location.

The project’s primary challenge was working in an occupied building. To minimise disruption, we carefully sealed off areas under construction and collaborated with occupants to ensure safe and efficient movement around the site. This approach allowed the project to progress smoothly while maintaining tenant satisfaction.

Through this transformation, London & Oriental have positioned their property as a modern, sustainable, and tenant-focused building that supports community and wellbeing while meeting the demands of today’s market.”

• Location: London, England
• Date completed: 2024
• Size: 44,000 square feet
• Design: Peldon Rose
• Photos: Adam Letch