Business guide
Working in a windowless unit
and making it feel good
Plenty of workshops, studios and stockrooms have no windows, and many people prefer the privacy and wall space. The trick is to plan the light, air and rhythm of your day so an enclosed space stays comfortable.
The upside of no windows
A windowless unit is not a compromise for everyone. It gives you four full walls for shelving and tool boards, steady light that does not glare on screens, privacy from passers-by and less to worry about when you leave stock behind.
Photographers, sellers who shoot product images and people who work with screens often prefer controlled light. Makers enjoy being able to fill every wall. The aim is to keep those benefits while avoiding the downsides.
A windowless room is also easier to keep at a steady temperature and free from sun damage. Fabrics, prints, paper and photographs stay out of direct sunlight, which helps them keep their colour.
Get the lighting right
Lighting is already connected in every Rock Factory unit. Think of it as a starting point and add to it for the work you do. HSE's guidance on lighting at work explains that lighting should be suitable for the task and should not create risks of its own.
- Add task lights at each bench or desk, angled to avoid shadows from your own hands.
- Choose a cooler, daylight-style colour for detailed work and colour matching.
- Use warmer lamps in any break or seating corner.
- Keep fittings clean and replace failing bulbs promptly.
- Keep a torch by the door in case of a power cut.
LED lighting uses little electricity, which helps because usage is charged at the supplier rate.
Plan your light switches and lamps around how you move. Being able to light the doorway first, then your bench, makes arriving early or leaving late much more comfortable.
Fresh air and temperature
Air feels stale faster in a closed room. Build airflow into your routine rather than waiting until you notice it.
- Open up when you workLift the roller shutter or open the door for a few minutes regularly, more often during dusty or busy tasks.
- Move the airA simple fan helps circulate air when the door is open.
- Control the sourceCapture dust at the tool and avoid products with strong fumes.
- Dress for the seasonLayers are easier than fighting the temperature. Ask us before bringing in any heater.
Some activities are not suited to an enclosed room at all. In our building, that includes anything involving melting or heating combustibles, solvent-based products in bulk, and cooking.
Breaks and daylight
The thing you miss most without a window is a sense of time passing. It is easy to look up and find it is dark outside. Build daylight into your day on purpose.
- Take short breaks outside, even for five minutes.
- Have lunch away from your bench, in daylight if possible.
- Use a clock or timer so the hours do not slip by.
- Make the most of the shared tea and coffee room for a change of scene.
If you work long hours with screens, regular screen breaks help your eyes as well as your mood.
Shared spaces help with the sense of isolation too. Chatting to other tenants over a cup of tea can be a welcome change from working on your own.
Make it a place you want to be
A blank room can feel bleak. Small touches go a long way. Light-coloured surfaces bounce light around. A rug or mat by the desk adds warmth. Pictures, a radio and a few low-light plants make it feel lived in. Keep work zones tidy so the space feels calm when you walk in.
Ask us before painting or fixing anything to walls, so we can agree how it is done.
Think about sound as well. A windowless room can feel very quiet, which is great for concentration but can feel isolating over a long day. Background music or a podcast helps some people, while others enjoy the calm. Find what keeps you working well.
If you really need a window
All our ground-floor units are windowless. If natural light matters for part of your work, the 300 sq ft two-storey unit has an upstairs office or storage area with a window, reached by an internal staircase, above a roller-shutter workshop space. It is £130 a week.
Many tenants find the windowless units suit them better than expected, especially for storage, online selling and making. You can compare every unit side by side to see which fits.
How different businesses make it work
The right set-up depends on what you do in the space.
Storage and stock rooms
If you mostly store and pack, windows are not much use and a windowless room is ideal. Bright overhead lighting, clear labelling and a small packing table near the door are usually all you need.
Makers and repairers
Detailed work needs strong, even light at the bench. A magnifier lamp helps for fine jobs. Airflow matters more if you sand, cut or glue, so plan dust control and open up regularly.
Desk-based work
For long hours at a screen, balance the screen brightness with the room so your eyes are not working against glare or gloom. A comfortable chair and a regular break routine matter more than you might expect.
Studios and photography
Controlled light is a gift here. Without daylight changing through the day, you can set lights once and get consistent results.
Privacy and peace of mind
No windows means nobody can see what you keep inside, which many tenants value for stock and tools. With a roller shutter or security door and a free CCTV app covering the entrance and the area outside the units, you can check in from your phone when you are away.
For more on keeping a unit secure, read our storage security tips.
Before you act on this
This is general information, not health or legal advice. If you employ people, you have duties about lighting, ventilation and temperature in the workplace, set out in HSE's guidance. Use the official guidance below and get competent advice if your work produces dust, fumes or heat.
Questions
Are all Rock Factory units windowless?
All the ground-floor units are windowless. The two-storey unit has an upstairs office or storage area with a window.
Is there lighting in the units?
Yes. Lighting, electricity and Wi-Fi are already connected in every unit. Many tenants add task lights for detailed work.
Can I work in a windowless unit all day?
Many people do, especially with good lighting, regular fresh air and breaks outside. Plan your day so you get daylight at least a few times.
Is a windowless unit good for product photography?
It can be. Controlled light without changing daylight makes it easier to get consistent photos, with your own lighting set-up.
Can I keep the roller shutter open while I work?
Opening up while you work is a simple way to bring in fresh air and light. Just keep your entrance tidy and clear for others.
Will I get enough light to do detailed work?
Lighting is connected in every unit, and most people add task lights at their bench or desk. A daylight-style lamp angled to avoid shadows makes fine work much easier. HSE's lighting guidance is a useful reference if you employ people.
Sources and official guidance
Prices are subject to availability. Minimum rental term: one month, then one month’s notice to leave. Electricity usage is charged separately at the supplier rate, with no markup. Business use needs prior approval. Car storage is not permitted.
