Fora celebrates Cambridge at its latest flexible workspace

Photography courtesy of Fora

Flexible workspace provider Fora has opened a new six-storey space on Station Road, Cambridge – a leading hub of technological and business innovation home to the likes of Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Spotify.

“Cambridge has been on our radar from day one and we are proud to be opening our first workspace here,” comments Enrico Sanna, CEO, The Office Group. “The historic city is home to a thriving business community and has a rich history of innovation, excellence and entrepreneurship – which aligns with our own culture and ethos. We are perfectly positioned to meet Cambridge’s growing demand for flexible space and look forward to being part of the community.”

Designed entirely by Fora’s inhouse team for the first time, the design pays homage to Cambridge’s architectural vernacular and cultural history, with warm sandy tones and natural tactile textiles throughout. On the top floor, a verdant ‘Garden Room’ is inspired by the nearby Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, with an abundance of living plants and pockets of biophilia creating a calming connection to nature. Outside, a wrap-around terrace offers sweeping views across the city, and a green roof, fitted with bug hotels, encourages biodiversity.

With over 80 miles of cycle lanes in the city, it would be amiss not to reference Cambridge’s renowned cycling culture. The classic woven bike basket is celebrated in rattan furniture and in the decorative joinery in the communal spaces. Faux leather strap detailing is featured in light fittings and the mustard-yellow banquette upholstery, inspired by the satchel of the archetypal cyclist academic. Nods to Cambridge’s world-renowned academic heritage continues in the calm, erudite atmosphere of the private and shared study spaces, as well as various spaces for collaboration and socialising.

The triangular form of custom wooden shelving is a motif featured throughout the space, notably on the tessellating triangle tiling found on the floors, which shift in shade from floor to floor – with both colours mirrored in the Garden Room’s terrazzo worktops.

Beginning with the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating awarded to the base build, Fora has ensured sustainable thinking is embedded throughout the project. Solar panels are intended to provide up to 20% of the building’s power, with all electricity derived from REGO-certified renewable sources. Heat pumps minimise carbon emissions and low-flow water systems reduce daily usage. Rainwater collectors on the roof are linked to Cambridge Water’s treatment systems, maximising the amount of water available for reuse. The building is topped with both a green and a brown roof, with the latter left to self-vegetate naturally.