Knotel has opened its first new work club at The Old Sessions House in Clerkenwell, marking the beginning of a broader international rollout across key European and North American cities. The project sets the tone for a new chapter in flexible working, one that places as much emphasis on atmosphere, craft and cultural context as it does on function.
The Old Sessions House is a landmark in its own right. Completed in the late eighteenth century, the Grade II listed building was originally designed as a courthouse and carries a strong classical presence. Its dome, columns and sweeping staircase draw a clear line to Roman architecture, most notably the Pantheon, and the building’s long history is visible in its generous proportions and natural patina. Knotel’s approach respects these qualities and brings them forward into a contemporary setting.
The refurbishment retains the character of the building while opening it up to a more fluid style of working. Light, materiality and volume do much of the work. The result is a space that feels calm, warm and deliberately unhurried, standing apart from the more typical expressions of coworking culture. Instead of emphasising density, it emphasises comfort, hospitality and an atmosphere that supports both individual and collective focus.
Fogia’s Bollo lounge chairs and dining chairs are placed throughout the club and play a key role in setting the mood. Their soft, generous forms bring a sense of ease to the classical architecture, bridging the gap between the building’s historic framework and the contemporary needs of its users. The Bollo’s distinctive silhouette and tactile upholstery give the interiors a grounded, human quality and provide a counterpoint to the building’s more formal elements.
