Actiu’s upcoming refurbishment of its Clerkenwell showroom, scheduled for completion by the end of the year, will signal a decisive shift in how the brand engages with the design community. Moving away from a traditional product-led display model, the new vision will reposition the Seward Street space as a multi-layered brand experience. One that immerses architects and designers in Actiu’s ethos of “Life Friendly Spaces” while offering a powerful, flexible hub for specification and inspiration.
At the heart of the concept is the transformation of the showroom into a “Mediterranean Lab.” This dynamic environment will serve as a human-centric ecosystem where the warmth and sociability of Actiu’s Spanish roots meet rigorous, research-led design.
Visual storytelling will play a big part in this new space. The aim is to take visitors on a journey to Actiu’s home in Castalla without ever leaving London. This will be done through clever lighting and bold spatial innovations. As light is one of the defining elements of the Mediterranean, a large-scale bespoke lighting fixture known as the ‘Castalla Sky’ will be at the heart of this re-designed space. Inspired by the quality of light in Actiu’s Alicante home, this installation will use dynamic programming to adapt to circadian rhythms, making the passage of time perceptible within the space. This will not only create a warm, evocative atmosphere but will act as a tangible demonstration of how light influence’s mood and wellbeing in the workplace.
Beneath this “sky,” the nerve centre of the showroom will emerge: a transformable stage designed for maximum activation. This area will effortlessly pivot between hosting vibrant social celebrations, intensive design workshops and atmospheric product showcases.
Sensory engagement will be a hallmark of the finished space. Utilising a Mediterranean palette of natural wood, greenery and clever use of grounded colours, the showroom will provide a tactile experience that balances brand continuity with local character. With a material library, digital specification screens and displays of the latest products for the UK market, this will become a key specification design hub in Clerkenwell.
The project is being brought to life in partnership with the creative team at Studio Banana. Rather than just designing a layout, the studio has worked closely with Actiu to rethink the entire showroom experience through a more human, user-centred lens. Their collaborative approach has been the driving force behind the “Mediterranean Lab” concept, blending a scientific understanding of how we feel in a space with the warm, storytelling spirit that defines Actiu’s roots.
As Actiu’s key international hub for the English-speaking market, the refurbished Clerkenwell showroom will ultimately serve as a crossroads for global clients. By blending design and neuroarchitecture, the new space will offer architects a glimpse into a better future of work; one where the Mediterranean spirit of togetherness is built into the very fabric of the environment.
Actiu is a family-owned business from Alicante that has never lost touch with its roots, even as it has grown into a global leader in sustainable office furniture. Operating from its carbon-neutral Technology Park – a facility that holds both LEED and WELL Platinum certifications- the company is a rare example of a manufacturer that designs and builds everything in the same location. This deep-seated commitment to craftsmanship and environmental stewardship earned them B Corp status in 2025. For Actiu, furniture isn’t just about utility; it’s about a Mediterranean legacy of social impact and leaving the world a little better than they found it.
The showroom will be hosting a series of events during this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week. From vibrant ceramic workshops with renowned artist and product designer John Booth, to keynotes from Dr. Elizbeth Nelson on the relationship between design and human behaviour, the team welcomes all visitors.
