Designed and delivered by Oktra, the 130,000 sq ft Autotrader headquarters at Circle Square has become one of the UK's most celebrated workplace projects, recently winning Design & Build Project of the Year at the Mix Awards 2026. The judges recognised the project for its exceptional design narrative, technical execution and ability to create a workplace that feels both memorable and meaningful.
Among the carefully considered design decisions was the specification of 12 Borg & Overström T3 taps, seamlessly integrated throughout the workspace to provide premium hydration without compromising the project's architectural vision.
Designing Every Detail
Oktra's concept for Autotrader centred around the themes of journey, movement and discovery. Rather than relying on conventional corporate branding, the workplace tells the story of Autotrader's transformation from print publication to the UK's leading digital automotive marketplace through architecture, materiality and experience.
From dramatic suspended vehicles in the reception space to sculptural staircases connecting multiple floors, every element has been designed with purpose. The result is an environment where every component contributes to the overall narrative. In projects of this calibre, products cannot simply perform well, they must belong architecturally within the space, contributing to the aesthetic as well as the functionality of the space. That philosophy is why the Borg & Overström T3 tap system was chosen.
Photography by: Adam Letch
Why they chose the T3 hot tap system?
The T3 hot tap's clean geometry, architectural form and minimal footprint allow it to integrate effortlessly into Autotrader's premium workplace environments. Positioned throughout Autotrader's headquarters, each tap delivers chilled, sparkling, ambient and hot bottle-less water while maintaining the visual consistency that was so fundamental to Oktra's design vision.
Its understated design enables the office's surrounding materials, finishes and spatial experiences to remain the focus, while employees enjoy intuitive, high-performance hydration wherever they work. It's a perfect example of form and function working together.
Like Autotrader, today's offices are designed around experience, wellbeing and sustainability.
Healthier working habits, sustainable sources of water and reducing the reliance of single use plastics are defining the future of workplace design. By distributing T3 taps throughout the breakout spaces, Autotrader has ensured employees always have easy access to premium filtered water, without high energy usage, fostering collaboration, wellbeing and aesthetic beauty.
Photography by: Adam Letch
A Product Proven in Award-Winning Workplaces
We are incredibly proud to play a small part in the success of Oktra's Autotrader project at the 2026 Mix Awards. This adds Autotrader to the portfolio of award winning projects that Borg & Overström products have been featured in.
Recent examples include:
- Rabobank at Sixty London Wall
- Greystar's European Headquarters
- Koba at The Rowe demonstrating how hydration can become part of a premium hospitality-led environment rather than a purely functional amenity.
- Travers Smith and Trainline at Stonecutter
- Westpac
To learn more about the success Borg & Overström has seen from the critics in recent times follow the link below:
The Tap Behind Some of the World’s Most Awarded Workplaces
Photography by: Adam Letch
Design That Endures
Winning a Mix Award is recognition of an outstanding project. Becoming a repeat choice across award-winning workplaces is recognition of outstanding product design.
The Borg & Overström T3 continues to demonstrate that premium hydration can enhance the architecture around it.
Learn more about the T3 and how it can enhance your workplace
