Apex Co-Working Space: A Fusion of Tactile Materials and Homely Comfort

January 30, 2026

Anomaly, a renowned architecture studio, has transformed a space in London's bustling King's Cross into Apex, a unique co-working environment. This project redefines the typical office aesthetic by prioritizing warmth, tactility, and a welcoming atmosphere over sterile, uninviting designs. It's a testament to how thoughtful material selection and design principles can cultivate a more engaging and comfortable professional setting.

Crafting Comfort: Where Design Meets Well-being

Embracing Texture: A Counterpoint to Concrete

The Apex co-working space, nestled within the Tribecca development in London's vibrant King's Cross, is a striking example of innovative interior design by Anomaly. Recognizing the inherent robustness of the building's concrete framework, Anomaly's head of interior design, Lucy Hillyer-Riley, deliberately introduced a rich array of tactile and supple materials. This strategic choice creates a compelling visual and sensory contrast, effectively softening the industrial feel of the existing structure. The design philosophy centers on creating an environment that matures gracefully with use, rather than diminishing, ensuring enduring appeal and comfort for its occupants from day one and beyond.

The Art of Arrival: A Rammed-Earth Welcome

Upon entering Apex, visitors are immediately greeted by a distinctive welcome desk, a focal point crafted from rammed earth. This rectilinear masterpiece, a collaboration between Anomaly and British natural finishes specialist Clayworks, showcases a captivating blend of dusty pink, rich brown, and vibrant orangey hues. The choice of rammed earth, a low-carbon material, was driven by its inherent ability to tell a story through its construction. The visible layers, intricate textures, and subtle imperfections create a sense of authenticity and uniqueness. Despite initial aspirations to use on-site excavated earth, practical constraints led to the careful selection of natural pigments and aggregates, compacted to form a solid, monolithic structure. This method ensures that each rammed-earth element possesses its own distinct character, aligning perfectly with the building's aspiration to convey a singular identity.

Canal-Side Serenity: The Cafe Experience

A beautifully crafted timber staircase gracefully ascends to a cafe area that extends the textured narrative of Apex. Adorned in inviting chocolate-brown tones, this space offers serene views of the adjacent canal. The design seamlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary comfort, featuring Wishbone chairs paired with sophisticated marble-topped tables. In contrast to the warm wood paneling behind the extended coffee counter, the terrazzo grey flooring introduces a cool, refreshing element, creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing environment for relaxation and informal collaboration.

Homely Workspaces: Beyond Rigid Desks

Beyond the cafe, other work and meeting areas within Apex continue the theme of homely comfort. These spaces eschew the traditional rigid desk setups in favor of communal tables and a diverse selection of seating options. Materials such as supple leather and plush upholstery are thoughtfully integrated, contributing to an atmosphere of ease and familiarity. Hillyer-Riley notes that leather, chosen for its ability to age beautifully rather than wear out, introduces a soft and comfortable element, particularly in seating. This intentional blend of soft, inviting zones with layered materials and abundant greenery works in harmony with the building's robust existing features. The result is a space that not only feels inherently comfortable but also positively impacts the well-being of its occupants, inviting them to return repeatedly to an environment designed for both productivity and enjoyment.

The Rise of Co-Working: A Global Phenomenon

The past decade has witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of co-working spaces, a trend further accelerated by evolving global work patterns, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. These flexible environments cater to a growing demand for adaptable and collaborative workspaces that move beyond the confines of traditional office settings. Apex stands as a prime example of this evolution, offering a thoughtfully designed space that merges functionality with a strong sense of community and comfort. This design approach reflects a broader shift in how we perceive and utilize professional environments, emphasizing well-being, flexibility, and a more integrated work-life experience.