But when I visited Oru Sutton, I felt like I had been transported to 2050.
Oru was something else entirely—it was the future of working.
From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with a sense of calm, comfort, and community that I hadn’t expected.
The atmosphere at Oru is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.
As I walked through the building, the greenery around me was both abundant and calming.
Real plants were everywhere creating a sense of connection with nature that is rare in the modern workplace.
The air felt fresher, the space more alive, and it was clear that this wasn’t just another office but a space where people could truly thrive.
I was first greeted by Catherine, the Head of Impact and Events, and Paul, the co-founder, who immediately took me to their Trinco Cafe, which would mark the beginning of what would be an unforgettable day.
I started with a macchiato infused with Lion’s Mane—a natural mushroom that supports focus, clarity, immunity, and overall well-being.
With its combination of earthy flavours and health benefits, it was the perfect drink to kick off a day full of exploration and discovery.
Next, I was shown to the Trinco restaurant, a laptop-free zone that takes sustainability to the next level.
The concept here was simple yet profound: a space that celebrates both nature and community.
There was even a tranquil pond flowing through the restaurant, creating a serene backdrop for meals.
As someone who deeply appreciates nature, this atmosphere was incredibly refreshing.
Everything in the restaurant is made from recycled or reused materials, including the padding on the dining area seats, which originally came from a nightclub in Mayfair from the 1980s.
The restaurant isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about connection.
It’s a space designed for people to unplug, connect with others, and enjoy food that nourishes both the body and the environment.
After my tour of the restaurant, Catherine and Paul took me to the Town Hall—a space designed for conferences, events, and even chair yoga.
Initially, I expected a small, stuffy room, but when they unlocked the door, I was stunned by the vast, open space.
With enough seating for 150 people, the Town Hall is a versatile venue that fosters collaboration and wellness.
It’s not just about work—it’s about creating a space for people to come together and nurture both their minds and bodies.
As the day continued, it was time for my first-ever yoga class.
At Oru, staff and members can take breaks during the day to use the wellness facilities, such as the gym or yoga studio.
She guided me through each pose, making sure I didn’t feel out of place—even as I wobbled through certain stretches or focused a little too hard on my breathing.
The experience was enlightening.
It wasn’t just about stretching; it was about reconnecting with myself and calming my mind during a busy day.
After my yoga session, I was given a tour of some of the other innovative facilities at Oru.
One of the coolest features was a stairwell that leads to nowhere.
This might sound strange, but it’s actually a peaceful space where you can sit and relax, read, or just take a moment to unwind.
Another standout feature were the soundproof boxes.
These futuristic booths are designed for private phone calls or video conferences.
It’s the perfect solution for those who need a quiet space to take a morning conference on Teams or have an important conversation without disturbing the flow of the open workspace.
And then there’s the biodiversity garden.
The garden is a peaceful oasis, full of plants, flowers, and even small wildlife.
It’s clear that Oru doesn’t just want to be a place for work—it wants to be a place for rejuvenation and balance, where nature and wellness go together.
There’s even set to be a nursery on the rooftop.
Oru will soon be opening a nursery in partnership with Dragonflies, designed to provide a safe yet enriching environment for children.
Rather than overprotecting them, the approach is to educate kids about risks while allowing them to explore and learn. I
t’s a refreshing balance; giving children the freedom to grow while ensuring they understand the world around them.
When it was time for lunch, I was treated to a meal at Trinco.
I opted for the masala baked beans, which came with a fried egg, cheddar, coriander, chilli chutney, pickled red chilli, and halloumi served on sourdough toast.
But it didn’t matter—it was absolutely delicious.
The flavours were vibrant and fresh, and the meal was satisfying without leaving me feeling heavy.
The Trinco manager explained that everything at the restaurant is locally sourced, with the only exception being the sourdough, which is brought in from outside.
It’s a thoughtful, sustainable approach that demonstrates Oru’s dedication to supporting local businesses and minimising its environmental impact.
One of the most unique features at Oru is the Wholeness Pod.
Created by the Noel siblings after their mother passed away from cancer, the Wholeness Pod offers a variety of treatments aimed at supporting well-being.
It’s not about curing diseases, but rather helping people heal and recover.
They explained how they want to bring treatments that you’d imagine to be in central London closer to home and more accessible for everyone.
I had the opportunity to experience both infrared sauna therapy and cryotherapy—two treatments that Oru offers as part of its holistic approach to wellness.
The infrared sauna was a soothing experience.
The heat enveloped me, easing away tension and calming my mind.
I could feel my muscles loosening as the infrared light penetrated deep into my skin.
But it wasn’t until I tried cryotherapy that I was really blown away.
For those unfamiliar, cryotherapy involves exposing the body to cold temperatures to reduce inflammation and promote recovery.
It’s not as uncomfortable as it sounds.
In fact, I felt invigorated afterwards and refreshed and ready to take on whatever the day had in store.
And for the record, cryotherapy has nothing to do with crying as I mistakenly thought!
It’s a bit of a funny name, but the benefits are real, and I was left feeling rejuvenated.
As the day came to a close, I was taken to Oru’s rooftop.
While they don’t have chickens there yet (thankfully, as I’m absolutely terrified of them), the rooftop space is a beautiful escape with views I’m sure will be breathtaking during summer sunsets.
In the summer, they plan to have a rooftop bar, a rooftop spa, and even rooftop yoga sessions.
It’s clear that Oru is focused on creating a sense of community, not just within the building but also in the wider Sutton area.
One of the highlights of the rooftop is the garden, where herbs and vegetables are being planted.
This rooftop garden is accessible to the public, and its purpose is clear: to create a space where people can connect with nature, enjoy fresh produce, and build a sense of community that extends beyond just work.
Anything edible grown here will be sent straight downstairs to Trinco.
I had the opportunity to speak to several members, all of whom said that Oru has enhanced their working environment.
An elderly woman even said that Oru is the one place that makes her feel “alive again”.
Before I left, I had to try out one last feature: the walking treadmill.
This innovative piece of equipment allows you to place your laptop on it while you walk.
The idea behind it is simple yet brilliant: it’s a way to keep moving while working, reducing the negative effects of sitting at a desk all day.
It was a fun way to wrap up my day and, of course, a great reminder of Oru’s commitment to movement and wellness.
Oru Sutton is truly a glimpse into the future of work.
It’s not just a place to clock in and out, it’s a space where wellness, sustainability, and community are at the forefront.
From the tranquil atmosphere to the cutting-edge wellness treatments and the focus on nature, Oru is redefining what it means to work in the modern world.
In a world where most offices are filled with sterile, soulless spaces, Oru stands out as a beacon of innovation.
It’s not just about getting work done; it’s about living well while you do it.
