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Anchoring their presence in the city
When their group company acquired a new building in the City of London, MOLEA and MOL recognised an opportunity to reshape daily life for their team. Spread across multiple floors, their previous office made collaboration more difficult and did little to reflect who they were as a business.
The move became a natural moment for change. By bringing their teams together on a single floor, MOLEA created a workplace that feels more connected — not just to its city surroundings, but to their people and shared identity.
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Shaping the concept through collaboration
To truly understand what MOLEA needed from their new space, we worked closely with their team through a series of collaborative workshops, exploring everything from space planning to look and feel. These sessions created space for open conversation, helping us uncover what mattered most to their people and how they wanted the office to feel.
Inspired by the rhythm of the ocean, the concept evolved into a flowing, fluid language that felt both connected to their maritime identity and supportive of everyday work. The process was iterative and responsive, ensuring the final design balanced practical requirements with the cultural and emotional ambitions of the business.
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Bringing culture to life
For MOLEA, expressing their Japanese heritage, more than 140 years of long history, and maritime identity was central to the vision. The design translates this into a calm, refined atmosphere, where natural timbers, bamboo finishes and soft lantern-style lighting create a welcome sense of balance within the energy of the city. A retreat room, focus pods and a quiet library zone provide space to pause, recharge and work in ways that suit the individual.
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The main boardroom — known as the “The Ship” — takes its cues from the form of a ship, creating a setting that sparks conversation and pride while reinforcing MOL and MOLEA’s identity in an authentic, understated way. Across the floorplate, gentle curves reflect the movement of the sea, softening the environment and guiding people intuitively through the space.
At the front of house, MOL’s story comes into sharper focus. Bespoke joinery presents carefully curated shipping models in gallery-style cases, while vintage Japanese posters reference the company’s origins in 1878. Even underfoot, the detailing continues — carpets echo the raked patterns of a Zen garden, and deep blue tones quietly reference the ocean beyond.
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Making the organic vision work
As the design developed, we encountered a challenge. The flowing, organic layout that had resonated so strongly with MOLEA didn’t naturally align with the building’s more rigid structure. “The organic concept meant a lot to the client, so we adapted it,” shares Venh Chai, Lead Designer on the project. “Through thoughtful detailing and careful spatial adjustments, we were able to integrate those fluid forms into the building’s structure without compromising on design.”
The result is a space that still feels fluid and expressive but works effortlessly within the architectural framework — protecting the spirit of the idea while ensuring it functions beautifully for the people using it every day.
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A regional headquarters in Europe and Africa that reflects their stature
Today, MOLEA’s London office feels like a true regional headquarters, a space that tells their story with confidence. With their heritage now present, their culture tangible and their people more connected, their new space honours the past while empowering them for what’s ahead.
Grounded in legacy, flowing with connection and built to navigate what’s next, the space captures the spirit of a global shipping leader. Just as importantly, it reflects a partnership built on shared ambition and genuine collaboration.
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Inspired by what you see?
Get in touch to discuss your next project
020 7553 9500
info@oktra.co.uk
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