Chancery House by NORM Architects: A Human-Centered, Sustainable Workspace in the Heart of London

Chancery House, designed by NORM Architects in collaboration with dMFK Architects, stands as a landmark example of contemporary workplace design, where heritage architecture, sustainability, and well-being merge seamlessly. Located in Holborn, Midtown London, the renewed 11,600 m² workspace by The Office Group (TOG) transforms a historic nine-story building into a forward-thinking destination built around flexibility, comfort, and human experience.

Perched above the historic London Silver Vaults, Chancery House pays homage to the site's storied past while creating an atmosphere infused with warmth, tranquility, and modern elegance. The result is a workspace where history, material honesty, and sensory design coexist to support productivity and holistic well-being.

A Landmark Renovation Rooted in Sustainability and Wellness

Positioned as TOG’s most ambitious project to date, Chancery House proudly holds a BREEAM Excellent certification, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainable building practices. dMFK Architects reconfigured and expanded the original structure, while NORM Architects crafted an interior architecture steeped in material warmth, natural balance, and user-focused design principles.

The project bridges classic London architectural elements with modern functionality. Refined materials, calm color palettes, and soft natural light create an interior environment attuned to the rhythms of human experience. Each space: whether a meeting room, yoga studio, or shared café: prioritizes comfort, sensory balance, and flexible usage.

Fundamentally, the design responds to the evolving expectations of modern work: environments that nurture the mind, body, and community rather than simply providing a desk.

Designing for Human Well-Being

Rather than resorting to dramatic architectural gestures, NORM Architects adopt a philosophy of quiet clarity and intentional minimalism. Wellness is embedded into every corner of Chancery House:

• Natural forms, soft textures, and timeless materiality foster calm.
• Interplays of brick, textiles, timber, stainless steel, and stone create tactile and visual harmony.
• Soft acoustics, natural scents, diffused light, and fresh air cultivate sensory richness.
• Daylight is intentionally introduced into previously dim spaces, including the gym, yoga studio, and communal zones.

The palette: derived from London’s landscape: brings together earthy tones, muted neutrals, and nuanced textures that reflect the city’s architectural identity while promoting lasting comfort and psychological ease.

By stripping design down to essentials, the architects introduce a sense of stillness that counterbalances the pace of modern urban life.

A Material Narrative Connecting Past and Present

The interior design draws heavily from the building’s historic façade: red brick, sandstone, and concrete create continuity between exterior and interior. The introduction of polished steel pays tribute to the Silver Vaults below, linking the building to its subterranean heritage.

The ground-floor reception is conceived as a warm, grounding arrival point. Brick steps and walls merge the old and new, forming a seamless transition. Timber screens, greenery-filled courtyards, and abundant daylight invite visitors into an environment that bridges hospitality design and workplace functionality.

Each material is selected not only for durability and aesthetic quality but also for its ability to evoke comfort, history, and a strong sense of belonging.

Flexible Workspaces Designed for Modern Needs

Chancery House offers a wide spectrum of flexible and varied work settings, including:

• collaborative communal tables
• quiet focus booths
• acoustically optimized meeting rooms
• lounges for social interaction
• wellness-focused retreat spaces
• terraces with open-air seating

The design acknowledges that work today is fluid. Teams can shift between private concentration, group collaboration, and casual conversation depending on their needs. The layout encourages movement, exploration, and adaptability, core principles of well-being centered workplace environments.

Meeting rooms throughout the building feature light curtains, soft carpets, and controlled acoustics, supporting global hybrid meetings free from distractions. Terraces on multiple levels allow fresh air and natural views to become part of the daily workflow.

Café, Courtyards, and Social Hubs

The ground-floor café acts as a vibrant social anchor, bathed in natural light and styled with colors inspired by London’s urban textures. Earthy, organic tones connect interior spaces with the lively city outside, while the courtyard views add a rare sense of urban calm.

From quick breaks to extended conversations, the café becomes a flexible hub where hospitality, community, and productivity intersect.

Descending Into the Silver Vaults: Communal, Active, and Reflective Spaces

A striking steel staircase leads down to the lower-ground floor inspired by the Silver Vaults. Here, golden-toned bricks shift the ambiance, while an expansive co-working table becomes a focal gathering point for collaboration.

Private nooks offer quiet refuge for deep work or discreet conversations.

Well-being-centric features include:

• a daylit gym
• a serene yoga studio
• calming wellness and relaxation spaces
• fresh air and greenery viewed through extended light wells

The gym’s material palette: timber floors, sheer curtains, and soft greys, feels more like a spa retreat than a standard fitness facility.

A Modern Workplace Rooted in Humanity and Timeless Design

Chancery House is both a heritage restoration and a vision of the future workplace. It integrates sustainability, community, wellness, and human-centered design into every detail. The collaboration between NORM Architects and dMFK Architects results in a workplace that is not only beautiful and efficient but also deeply attuned to the emotional and physical needs of its users.

All photographs are works of Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen