HEADQUATERS + LABORATORY

Charles House

Clinical Headquarters and Laboratory for Calla Lily

Charles House reimagines the clinical headquarters through an interior scheme that is both functionally rigorous and quietly refined. Designed for Calla Lily—an organisation at the forefront of female health clinical trials—the project takes a decidedly softer, more considered approach to a traditionally utilitarian environment.

The plan is carefully zoned, with a suite of purpose-built laboratories discreetly separated from the front-of-house and workspace areas. The spatial hierarchy is clear, yet never clinical in feel. At its centre sits a generously proportioned reception space that brings together a kitchen, bar, and relaxed breakout lounge—conceived as the social heart of the scheme. A full-height Crittall-style glazed partition introduces a sense of enclosure without severing sightlines, offering a subtle balance between openness and privacy.

The materials palette is intentionally muted, favouring soft tonal layering and tactile finishes—think brushed metals, natural timbers, and matte surfaces—to create an atmosphere that is composed, calm, and innately cosy. Lighting is handled with restraint: architectural lighting sits comfortably alongside abundant natural light, thanks to expansive glazing that frames far-reaching views across the London skyline.

This restrained yet warm design language is carried throughout—from bespoke joinery details to the curated rhythm of the space—allowing the interiors to feel both elegant and effortless. The result is a thoughtful, contemporary workspace that supports clinical innovation while cultivating a distinctly human atmosphere.

Charles House offers a modern take on utility, where design elevates the everyday through softness, subtlety, and beautifully resolved detailing.