Piano House, Back to Basics
In the heart of neighbouring Brixton lies a Victorian warehouse, full of character and interest, known as the Piano House says Ebuni Okolo.
Once upon a time, this building housed instruments, most especially pianos, hence its name. However, today it is home to place where collaborative working is the key. At the very heart of the Piano House lies the Piano Club, a large warehouse/workspace.
“Workplaces and the way we work have changed with the advancement of technology,” says Richard Pearce, director of property company, TCN UK. “More people are working from home, and workplace rules have changed. We wanted to offer local people a workspace that was realistic, and break away from the traditional drab office spaces and offer businesses something different.”
Since it launched in 2011, the Piano Club has held down the forward button on the co-working culture. The warehouse space offers a distinctive setting, complete with piano and bar. Commercial tenants are also provided with kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, printing, internet and communication provisions, along with an on site caretaker. The building also includes parking, security gates and CCTV.
The use of all facilities is included in the £295 monthly payment. The open-plan workspace is stripped of the typical, fussy, office design and has a raw, natural feel. Ironwork doors complement the wooden floored design; exposed brickwork with high ceilings and large windows. The warehouse space offers a contemporary, relaxed, raw, cool feel, draped in natural light. The Piano Club appears to be setting the trend for the office space; going back to basics. Richard says the design is far removed from traditional, carpeted, grey office space, and for him it was key to retain the building’s character and original features.
Richard notes: “Most importantly, the Piano House is all about collaborative working, this is very important to us. We had this empty space, filled with character, so instead of spending thousands turning into a boring, grey, traditional office building, we maintained the original rustic features and opened up the space to local businesses. Brixton is a real buzzing place and very lively, we wanted to reflect this in our building and attract a young, vibrant, businesses community, which enjoys co-working in a relaxed environment.”
Suitable for one to four person businesses, Richard says the Piano Club is a fun and exciting, yet affordable place to work. He also highlights it is good for companies that are based at home, but looking for their first work space, because of Piano Club’s approach to collaborative working.
“Working from home is okay when businesses start out; I have done it myself, but there comes a time when you need to branch out and develop your business identity. You cannot do that with your ‘other half’ in the background, shouting about the washing-up and you are on the phone trying to close a deal. We can offer you a professional image, which will boost your businesses credibility and impress clients.” The Piano House, London: www.pianohousebrixton.co.uk The Piano Club, London: www.pianohousebrixton.co.uk/pianoclub
