PROJECT INFO

Location: Woking, UK
Completion Date: 2022
Project Type: Corporate Workplace
Size: 3 of 6 architectural ‘fingers’ within the McLaren Technology Centre
Scope of Work: Crux Design Studio was appointed to design and revitalise three of McLaren’s six iconic ‘fingers’ within its world-renowned headquarters in Woking. The scope included reception areas, collaboration zones, meeting rooms, and the glazed bridge walkways connecting each finger, delivering a cohesive workplace experience for one of the world’s elite motorsport teams.


McLaren F1 HQ

Set within the legendary McLaren Technology Centre designed by Foster + Partners, this project required a respectful and strategic approach. The building’s architectural precision and minimalist design called for thoughtful interventions that enhanced functionality and energy without compromising the integrity of the existing space.

Crux was brought in to inject new life into these working zones, creating high-performance environments that reflected the innovation and pace of McLaren’s Formula 1 operations. A key part of the brief was to improve the user experience, soften the starkness of the interiors, and celebrate the identity of the F1 team.

Design Concept

Crux’s concept centred on humanising the high-tech environment, weaving McLaren’s brand narrative together with spatial enhancements and environmental graphics. The project included redesigned reception spaces, collaboration areas for agile working, focused meeting rooms, and the circulation bridges that provide physical and visual connections between the fingers.

Crux directly collaborated with McLaren’s in-house F1 graphic designer, ensuring that all environmental graphics reflected the brand’s racing pedigree and team identity. Every internal wall was activated through bespoke graphics, colour layering, and visual storytelling, turning formerly sterile spaces into immersive, high-energy environments.

Challenges & Solutions

The primary challenge was working within an existing, highly controlled architectural language. Crux needed to introduce warmth, texture, and personality, without clashing with the iconic architecture of the McLaren campus.

Close coordination with McLaren’s internal teams, particularly their F1 graphic designer, was key to maintaining design alignment and quality. By embedding visual storytelling and brand elements into the walls, Crux transformed the space without relying on structural changes, delivering maximum impact with minimal architectural disruption.

Final Outcome

The result is a striking transformation of three critical zones within McLaren’sheadquarters,bringing new energy, character, and connectivity to the workspace. Thegraphics, colourpalette, and spatial layouts reflect the precision and speed of theMcLaren F1 teamwhilecreating a more inviting and user-friendly environment for day-to-day operations. This projectisa proud example of Crux’s ability to balance designsensitivity, strategic branding, and architectural respect.

Key Features

  • Prestigious Location – Designed within the iconic McLaren Technology Centre.
  • Workplace Reimagining – Reception, collaboration, meeting, and circulation zones transformed.
  • Visual Storytelling – Environmental graphics created in partnership with McLaren’s F1 graphic designer.
  • Human-Centred Design – Softened sterile interiors to create more inviting work environments.
  • Architectural Sensitivity – Enhanced user experience while respecting original building design.
  • Brand Integration – Internal walls brought to life with narrative-driven graphic installations.
  • Strategic Collaboration – Close partnership with McLaren’s in-house teams ensured seamless execution.
  • High-Impact Transformation – Delivered vibrancy and identity within a globally recognised HQ.