A carefully curated space for wellbeing and work at Uncommon Holborn

Project name: Uncommon Holborn
Project sector: Workplace
Completion date: 01/07/24
Client: Quarterback
Ranges: Terrazzo, Naples, Scenario, Program, Peninsula, Resource, Marbalite, Pliant

From bespoke terrazzo to a curated palette of eight tile ranges, Uncommon Holborn is a masterclass in how materials shape mood, movement, and meaning.

At Uncommon Holborn, thoughtful design, sustainability, and bespoke craftsmanship come together to create one of London’s most progressive flexible workspaces. Uncommon’s latest project, housed in the revitalised Templar House, exemplifies excellence in materiality, wellness, and the art of placemaking. At its heart is a deep attention to detail, from the original architectural features that have been sensitively retained to the selection of finishes that define its contemporary identity.

Solus played a pivotal role in shaping this environment, working closely with Uncommon and developer and design studio Quarterback to deliver a layered, sensory-rich experience. Among the project’s highlights is a bespoke terrazzo, created through a close collaboration between client, designer, and supplier.

Pete Toule, Area Sales Manager at Solus, accompanied designer Chere Falconer and Jim Garvey from Quarterback, along with Chris Davies, CEO of Uncommon, to a terrazzo manufacturer in Italy. There, the team was able to experience the production process firsthand and choose the chips, refine the mix, and witness their bespoke terrazzo come to life.

This immersive, collaborative process reflects how far Solus goes to help clients craft the right solution; not just supplying material but shaping it in partnership.

The resulting bespoke terrazzo is now a defining feature throughout Uncommon Holborn. Its texture, tone, and material honesty mirror the project’s ethos: a space built with care for both people and the planet. Complementing the terrazzo are eight Solus ranges, carefully selected to enrich different areas of the building, each choice contributing to the project's finely balanced atmosphere.

The Naples range lends an understated elegance to the changing rooms on the lower ground floor, its soft textures echoing the building's biophilic principles. The showers are finished in Scenario, a range selected for its excellent grip and subtle tones.

In the member’s café bar, Resource was chosen for its natural finish and sustainable credentials, aligning with Uncommon’s environmental focus. Meanwhile, the vibrant bar walk area is finished with Marbalite, adding a touch of dynamism as visitors move through the space.

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Bar walk: 3MDL520
Bar walk:
Bar walk: 3MDL525
Bar walk:

Secondary café areas showcase further curated choices. Terraware grounds the setting with its artisanal, earthy feel.

Each selection responds not only to aesthetic criteria but also to practical and sustainable considerations, themes that run throughout Uncommon Holborn’s design approach. Materials were chosen for durability, ethical sourcing, and their ability to age gracefully, reducing the need for future replacements.

The installation was entrusted to Arcade Tiling, with Rob Melanson and Ryan Marsh leading the process with exceptional craftsmanship. Their skill and attention to detail ensured that the intricacies of the terrazzo and tile finishes were fully realised across the varied spaces, helping to bring the project's design vision to life.

Beyond the technical execution, what makes Uncommon Holborn exceptional is the way material choices support the wider experience of the building. From the lush biophilic environments to the airy workspaces flooded with natural light, every detail is geared towards human wellbeing. The textures underfoot, the rhythm of surface changes, and the careful transitions between social and reflective zones create a workplace that feels both uplifting and intimate.

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Wall: 2TBT843

The revitalisation of Templar House, led by architecture studio astudio with interiors by Quarterback, reflects a deep respect for the building's heritage. Original 1950s elements have been reinterpreted with a contemporary sensibility, while strategic upgrades aim for BREEAM Excellent certification, championing a more sustainable approach to commercial real estate.

With its blend of timeless materials, tactile finishes, and spaces for quiet focus as well as community connection, Uncommon Holborn sets a new benchmark for flexible workspace design. The bespoke terrazzo, together with eight distinctive Solus ranges, helped define a project where every surface tells a story — one of collaboration, care, and conscious design.