Stables Office: How a 200-year-old stable was brought to life and became a landmark of contemporary coworking

Vision and core identity

What inspired the transformation of a 200-year-old stable building into a modern coworking hub, and how did you balance heritage charm with contemporary needs?

The transformation of the Stables Office space was driven by a desire to breathe new life into a building with a rich yet underutilized history. Built nearly two centuries ago and originally used as a production annex, the building had remarkable architectural and symbolic potential—especially in a vibrant city like Cluj-Napoca, which is rapidly developing in fields like IT and the creative industries, we aimed to offer a space that inspires through character, not just through functionality.

We wanted to create a space that tells a story while meeting today’s work requirements: flexibility, comfort, technology, and community. We preserved elements from the original structure (masonry, wooden framework, spatial proportions) and carefully integrated them into a contemporary design featuring high-end ergonomic furniture, sustainable solutions, and state-of-the-art technology.

A clear guiding principle shaped the project: “Only by respecting the past can we build a sustainable future.” This balance between heritage and innovation defines what Stables is today-a warm, professional, and memorable space that inspires and connects, bringing past and future together in an original way.

How does Stables’ Art Deco-inspired design support both aesthetic and functional goals of your workspace?

The Art Deco–inspired design plays a key role in shaping the identity of Stables Office. We chose this aesthetic direction because it combines timeless elegance with structural clarity, conveying both refinement and creativity.

This style aligns perfectly with the modern needs of a coworking space. Its geometry and modularity allowed us to organize the space efficiently, defining distinct zones (for focus, relaxation, and teamwork) without compromising visual coherence. We also carefully integrated ergonomic furniture, acoustic solutions, and modern technology.

Design, sustainability & amenities

Can you elaborate on your BREEAM Excellent certification—what sustainable features were prioritized to meet this standard?

Our BREEAM Excellent certification reflects a genuine commitment to sustainability, starting from the concept phase. We chose to repurpose a historic building while preserving its identity. We integrated energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials such as carbon-neutral flooring and responsibly sourced ergonomic furniture, with special attention given to indoor air quality and overall comfort.

Which on-site amenities (e.g. gym, restaurant, sports club) resonated most with your members—and why?

One of Stables' biggest strengths is its semi-central location, giving members fast access to everything they need: cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, medical services, fitness centers, and green areas for breaks or informal meetings. The proximity to public transportation also allows for flexibility in commuting. This closeness naturally extends our concept: a space that supports a modern work rhythm and a connected, active, and balanced lifestyle.

Business strategy & community

Despite coworking trends focused on freelancers, Stables reports that 75% of usage comes from established companies-how did you attract and retain corporate clients?

From the outset, we aimed to create a space that caters not only to freelancers but also to companies, especially those seeking a flexible alternative to traditional offices. That’s why the design, services, and infrastructure at Stables were developed to meet corporate standards: fully equipped private offices, top-tier ergonomics, meeting rooms, reliable technology, privacy, and a warm, professional, detail-oriented atmosphere.

Our team plays a crucial role in client retention. We stay close to each team, personalize solutions where needed, and nurture a genuine sense of partnership—not just a supplier-client relationship. We believe that this combination of quality, constant care, and flexibility is what has attracted and retained companies from diverse fields—from IT and professional services to architecture and real estate. In a market where workspaces are constantly evolving, we don’t just provide infrastructure—we offer an experience tailored to today’s work styles.

In 2023, you reached a 95% occupancy rate and €423,000 in revenue-what strategies were most effective in achieving these strong results?

Hosting relevant events and maintaining an ongoing dialogue with our community strengthened the sense of belonging and supported organic, sustainable growth. The 2023 results—95% occupancy—reflect this coherent, people-centered approach.

We believe our most valuable strategy has been a deeply human one: consistent care and attention for the people who walk through our doors. This naturally led to high retention and valuable organic promotion—our clients becoming, over time, Stables’ most dedicated ambassadors.

Operations & growth

What operational challenges (e.g., security, 24/7 access, infrastructure) did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Throughout Stables’ development, we encountered common challenges for a 24/7 space with a diverse community: secure around-the-clock access, stable IT infrastructure, and balanced use of shared spaces. We addressed these through robust tech solutions—card-based access control, video surveillance, and secure IT networks—adapted even for industries with high confidentiality standards.

Stables also serves as a showroom for COS interior design projects-how do you balance supporting coworking tenants with showcasing COS capabilities?

Stables Office truly serves a dual role: it’s both a coworking space and a living showroom of Corporate Office Solutions (COS) capabilities. We like to say that here, COS solutions aren’t just displayed—they’re lived. People interact directly with the furniture, technologies, and design principles that support daily work performance. Because Stables functions as a COS showroom, we also have the opportunity to test solutions in real time, with the space constantly evolving through adjustments which bring added value.

Culture, events & expansion

How does Stables foster a sense of community among diverse tenants, and what role do events play in that strategy?

From the very beginning of the Stables Office story, we wanted this space to be more than just a place to work—it had to be a catalyst for genuine connections and human relationships. We regularly organize events that bring people together in an organic way: from board game nights and trivia evenings to dance workshops and our annual parties. Additionally, we frequently host external events—workshops, conferences, or training sessions—where Stables community members can participate and connect with relevant initiatives beyond our walls.