Arding & Hobbs: breathing new life into a London landmark
When x+why acquired the historic Arding & Hobbs building in central Clapham, it was clear the project would be unlike any other. Built in 1910 as a drapery and fabric store, this Grade II listed landmark had stood empty for five years. In collaboration with x+why, Interaction transformed the space into a high-end coworking site and private members’ club, honouring its heritage while introducing a vibrant new community.
The project combines two distinct but complementary experiences. On one side, the coworking area offers flexible office solutions for businesses of all sizes. It includes dedicated desks, 30 serviced offices, soundproof phone booths and a podcast room. With space already 50% let before opening, the flex space demonstrated strong demand for characterful, heritage-led workspaces in one of London’s busiest neighbourhoods.
On the other side, The Arding Rooms – Clapham’s first private members’ club – blends glamour with comfort. The club houses a restaurant, bar, lounges, meeting rooms and event spaces, including an auditorium and anteroom. Designed for a seamless day-to-night transition, it is bright and welcoming during the day, transforming into a moody, indulgent space for evening events. A roof terrace, overlooked by the iconic cupola, adds another layer of allure.
The design draws from the concept of ‘Faded Glamour’, combining elegance with a relaxed, timeworn feel. Patinas, velvets, aged metals and layered finishes create a space that honours the building’s past without feeling overly polished. Colours inspired by the domed roof – soft yellows, deep purples, blues and greens – appear throughout in upholstery and finishes, while a star motif subtly recurs in drawer pulls, mirrors and bespoke seating. Every detail has been chosen to make the space feel as if it’s been part of Clapham for a century – conjuring all the atmosphere of a vintage cigar lounge, only without the smoky haze.
Historic references abound. A gold-leaf poetry quote above the bar nods to the building’s textile past: “until the fabric speaks & the textile is the text.” Aged oak herringbone flooring, tumbled for a timeworn finish, complements the building’s architectural details. Artisan touches, from a handmade silver nitrate mirror to gold-leafed signage by Newbigin Signs, enrich the space, while period-inspired lighting creates warmth and character.
Meeting rooms take their names from haberdashery terms, while bespoke joinery and locally sourced vintage décor echo the colour palette and motifs of the domed roof. Even the toilets carry a sense of indulgence, reflecting the building’s history and the club’s luxurious identity.
Martha Gray, Interaction’s Creative Lead, emphasises the care taken: “It’s rare to work on a site with so much character. We preserved the building’s special features while delivering a premium design that will inspire the community for years to come.”
x+why Clapham is more than a workspace. It’s a carefully curated, heritage-led environment where businesses thrive by day and a sophisticated community gathers by night – a truly unique destination in the heart of London.
Design:
Detail and Design:
Project Management: Interaction
M&E: Envira-mech
Photography:
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