Storybox is located in the heart of Vauxhall – a vibrant district known for its creative energy and growing business community. Positioned within the expansive 482-acre Nine Elms regeneration project, the area is becoming one of London’s most dynamic business hubs, with high-profile neighbours including the US Embassy and Apple.
General Projects’ vision was clear: create a space that would become a magnet for marketing and creative industries. The challenge was to design a flexible, turnkey office solution that could stand out in a crowded market while celebrating the building’s unique character.
From the outset, the project aimed to balance practicality and inspiration. The brief called for a ‘plug and play’ workspace that highlighted the building’s distinctive features while providing a blank canvas for tenants to make their own. Drawing on insights from local market research and agent feedback, we devised a scheme that embraced the quirky architectural layout, soft natural palettes, and flexible formation.
The building’s irregular shape and evolving brief required ongoing adaptation. What began as a plan for one demise quickly expanded to four, each with its own spatial requirements. Through close collaboration with the client and creative problem-solving, we turned these challenges into an opportunity to showcase the building’s unique potential.
“We wanted to create a space that reflected the spirit of Vauxhall’s creative community while giving tenants the freedom to personalise it.” - Jenny Edwards, Creative Director.
The two floors of the building were divided into four distinct demises, catering to the growing demand for smaller office spaces. The modular layout offers tenants the option to lease individual offices or combine spaces to form larger units. This adaptability future-proofs the building, allowing it to evolve with market demands. The thoughtful space planning also ensured the environment works for both hosting clients and collaborating with teams.
Stepping into Storybox, tenants and visitors are met with a soft, welcoming entrance area featuring natural wood finishes, biophilic design elements, and oak furniture. Adjacent to this space, a versatile meeting suite doubles as a client-facing hub and an everyday workspace for tenants. Beyond the entrance, desks are arranged in smaller clusters to create pockets of privacy and focus, avoiding the overwhelm of traditional office layouts.
Wellbeing was at the heart of the Storybox design. Quiet zones, Zoom rooms, and private nooks offer spaces for reflection and focused work, while agile workspaces support collaboration. Breakout spaces and tea points provide opportunities for relaxation and informal connection. The design’s intentional flow ensures that tenants move intuitively through the space, from the soft arrival zone to dynamic work areas, creating a sense of balance and ease.
The impact of the redesign was immediate. Within weeks of completion, one of the demises was leased, a testament to the power of thoughtful design. The Storybox project not only reimagined a long-vacant building but also reinforced its position as a key asset in Vauxhall’s creative scene. By blending functionality, flexibility, and a contemporary design, we delivered a space that inspires tenants and drives commercial success.
Team:
Architects: Oktra
Photographer: Adam Letch
