McLaren F1 HQAdaptive reuse and feasibility design for a new R&D hub
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Category
Interior Design
Location
Woking, UK
Type
Workplace, Workplace Strategy
Crux was appointed to redesign and refresh three of the six iconic 'fingers' within the McLaren Technology Centre, the architectural landmark designed by Foster + Partners. The brief was to enhance reception areas, meeting rooms, collaboration zones, and glazed bridge walkways, injecting personality, performance, and warmth into a setting defined by minimalist precision.
Working closely with McLaren’s in-house F1 graphic designer, Crux transformed sterile zones into dynamic, human-centred spaces celebrating the brand’s racing DNA. A palette of bold environmental graphics carefully layered finishes, and immersive storytelling brought energy and identity into key working areas, without disrupting the building’s celebrated architectural language. This was designed with restraint, clarity, and pace - an environment befitting one of the most elite teams in global motorsport.
Crux was appointed to revitalise key workplace zones within the McLaren Technology Centre, one of the most iconic and carefully controlled environments in global motorsport. The project focused on three of the six architectural fingers that support McLaren’s Formula One operations, including reception areas, collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, and the glazed bridge walkways that connect them.
The brief required a sensitive and strategic approach. Any intervention needed to enhance performance, energy, and user experience while respecting the architectural precision and intent of the original building.
The McLaren Technology Centre is defined by precision, restraint, and architectural clarity. While these qualities reflect the organisation’s engineering excellence, the working environments within the building required renewed energy and a stronger sense of team identity.
“We didn’t change the structure; we changed the feeling.”
— Heather Saunders, Founder | Principle
Key Features
Interior transformation within a Foster + Partners–designed landmark
Redesigned reception, meeting, collaboration, and circulation zones
Custom graphics developed with McLaren’s F1 design team
Human-centred updates to high-performance environments
Minimal architectural disruption with maximum brand impact
Strategic visual storytelling reflecting McLaren’s racing legacy
Crux was asked to help humanise these spaces and improve day to day experience for teams operating at the highest level of performance. The challenge was to introduce warmth, character, and connectivity without disrupting the architectural language or operational intensity of the campus.
Crux approached the project through careful analysis of how people moved through and used the space. Reception areas, collaboration zones, meeting rooms, and bridge connections were identified as key moments where experience, interaction, and identity could be strengthened.
Rather than relying on structural change, the strategy focused on layered interventions through materiality, colour, and graphics. These elements were used to support orientation, reinforce purpose, and create moments of visual energy that reflected the pace and ambition of the Formula One team.
“Designing with speed, strategy, and sensitivity - just like McLaren.”
— Former Customer
Collaboration was central to the success of this project. Crux worked closely with McLaren’s in house Formula One graphic designer to ensure environmental graphics were authentic, precise, and aligned with team culture.
This close partnership allowed every internal wall to become part of a wider narrative, celebrating McLaren’s racing heritage while remaining integrated with the architecture. Decisions were made collectively, ensuring consistency, quality, and shared ownership of the outcome.
The revitalised spaces bring new energy and identity to three critical zones within the headquarters. Reception and collaboration areas feel more welcoming and engaging; while meeting and circulation spaces support clearer connection between teams.
The result is a workplace environment that reflects the precision, speed, and confidence of the McLaren Formula One team, while offering a more human and supportive experience for everyday use.
This project demonstrates Crux’s ability to operate within some of the most demanding and prestigious environments in the world. By working collaboratively with in house teams and respecting architectural intent, we deliver interventions that enhance performance without compromise.
The earlier Crux is involved, the greater the positive impact we can have on experience, alignment, and long-term value. Early engagement allows sensitive environments to evolve in ways that feel considered, authentic, and fit for purpose.
At Crux, success is measured by our ability to add clarity, energy, and meaning within complex settings, while strengthening the teams who work within them.