In 2015, an ambitious vision took root on a quiet plot with a few buildings, a lush garden, a koi pond, and a swimming pool. The proprietor, inspired by his family’s honey business, saw the potential to transform this tranquil space into a vibrant business hub—a place where professionals could work, connect and grow in an environment infused with natural beauty and community spirit.

Thus, The Hive 25 was born, evolving from a simple workspace concept into a sanctuary for productivity, creativity and collaboration.

From the beginning, the vision was not just to create another office space but to build a com-munity. He collaborated with designer Angus Wake-ling and Diana de Swart and architects Architectural & Planning Studio, aiming to develop a workspace that balanced a professional setting with a welcoming ambiance.

They drew inspiration from hot-desking and flexible workspaces in Europe, wanting The Hive 25 to feel alive and constantly overflowing with energy just like a beehive. With a nod to the family’s honey production background, the property’s aesthetic subtly references bees and nature. Rich golden hues, deep greens and honeycomb-inspired motifs run through the design, creating a warm, earthy palette.

Hexagonal tiles featuring bee sym-bols are scattered throughout the property reinforcing the hive theme and giving each room a distinct, cohesive character.

Bringing Nature to the Workplace

One of Hive 25’s most striking features is its embrace of nature and biodiversity. The work-space is laid out in such a way that external views are concealed, allowing for privacy while still maintaining a connection to the outside world through the strategic placement of greenery.

The original garden was preserved and upgraded to create a lush, shaded environment where greenery is part of daily life. Large trees provide natural shade, while a koi pond and other water features bring a sense of calm and tranquillity. To further encourage biodiversity, Hive 25 avoids pesticides and insecticides, allowing the garden’s ecosystem to thrive naturally. Also, the use of monumental steel pergolas, cubist-inspired structures, and lush, carefully manicured gardens creates a balance between modernity and natural beauty. In the Wild West wing, a recent expansion of the property, the design took on a prairie-inspired theme with grasses, aloes and cactuses.

The landscaping blends tropical elements with semi-arid plants, offering a contrast that captures the essence of a Wild West landscape. At the centre of this area is a circular water feature, a quiet focal point that adds to the Hive’s blend of serenity and energy.

Over the years, The Hive 25 has grown in both size and function. The initial renovation converted the main house into 12 office spaces, complete with kitchens and meeting rooms allowing for easy internal collaboration.

As demand for office space increased, additional wings were added, including the East Wing, West Wing, and the newly dubbed “Wild West.” This ongoing expansion reflects the Hive’s evolution from a simple workspace to a thriving, dynamic hub that adapts to the needs of its community. Each office block has its own unique character and amenities, designed to foster a sense of autonomy with-in a larger network.

The communal areas, including a 240-seat amphitheatre and breakout spaces, facilitate collaboration and networking, while the independent meeting rooms and kitchens provide convenience and privacy.

Modern Amenities and a Sense of Balance

A gym and lap pool encourage a balanced lifestyle, promoting health and wellness as part of the daily routine. The onsite cafe and coffee shop serve as so-cial centres, where tenants can unwind, grab a bite or chat over a coffee. Designed with cosy finishes and earthy tones, these areas are spaces for connection, extending the Hive’s community ethos beyond the office walls.

For those who enjoy a bit of men-tal exercise, a chess area in the garden offers a refreshing break.

On Sustainability and Environmentally Conscious Design

Sustainability is a core value at Hive 25. The property is powered by a solar array, which not only covers its energy needs but can also feed excess power back into the grid. A static VAR generator was added to allow for stable power, providing a reliable work-space even during disruptions.

In terms of water management, infiltration wells help re-charge groundwater, making the Hive’s operations more sustainable. Recycling and reuse are also prioritised, mini-mising the environmental footprint and supporting a healthi-er, greener workspace.

A Workspace Filled with Character

The Hive 25’s interior design brings together practicality and personality. Much of the furniture is custom-made, including modular pieces adaptable to various configurations within the workspace. Steel and Oregon pine tables, crafted by An-drew Revolta of Revolta’s Roots, add a rustic, organic touch, while a stunning Oregon pine boardroom table designed by Adam Seager exudes natural warmth and sophistication.

The cafe’s hexagonal steel and mosaic tables, created by Ingrid Tucker, are a special highlight. Each table reflects the Hive’s signature bee theme, featuring hexagonal shapes and honey-coloured tones that fully bring out the communal vibe of the cafe.

Through Hive 25 you can see what a workspace can be when it embraces community, nature and creativity. This fully functional business hub built around a serene garden, offers a unique balance between work and relaxation. It is a fam-ily-oriented, full-service facility that has grown organically over eight years, continuously adapting to the needs of its tenants and the modern working space.

With around 80% occupancy at any given time, Hive 25 remains a lively, connected community where networking happens naturally. Professionals from various fields cross paths and form alliances, forging collaboration that benefits everyone involved.

This is a perfect environment for businesses seeking more than just a traditional office. A perfect set up for a young professional looking for a vibrant work environment or a busi-nessperson who values connection and sustainability, The Hive 25 offers a refreshing alternative to conventional office spaces.

Text by Farai Chaka

From SnD 70