There’s only one thing I hate more than talking to people on the phone, and that’s listening to other people talk on the phone.

It’s one of the curses of a shared office space. You’re cracking on with your work, but the person who sits across the room is prattling on all day, and you’re left wondering how much it costs to surround yourself with four walls.

Enough – show me the minimum viable space I need for a working office, that at the same time allows me privacy without breaking the bank.

One business that always leads from the front when it comes to innovative office spaces is Ideas Cartel, and their latest concept has serious potential.

It’s called the SOLOffice, and it’s the best of both worlds. Essentially, we’re talking about small working pods for individuals, that are placed within a communal environment.

Having been briefed on the concept by Schuyler Vorster, Ideas Cartel’s founder, Alex Pattinson and her team at brand engagement architects WHAAM put these renders and styles together:

Observe:

Alright, you have my attention. An aerial view next, please:

These SOLOffices don’t exist in isolation, as many individual units can be configured to suit whatever need:

I guess it’s all about using the workspace available, and finding solutions that tailor to individual needs.

Creative solutions to a common workplace concern, and the end of being forced to listen in on someone else’s calls.

Then again, Ideas Cartel have already proven their creative kudos with two beautiful office space buildings, which include private offices, shared office space, and a number of meeting and boardrooms.

They are now looking at implementing the SOLOffice idea at both of their existing buildings, on Loop Street and Waterkant Street in the heart of the CBD.

Their third building, The Foundry, is located in the Foreshore, and will be up and running shortly. Ideas Cartel founder Schuyler Vorster is going the extra mile to ensure that The Foundry is home to the finest brands in town.

Here’s what he had to say:

The concept of coworking is not just about sharing a space, it’s about creating on-hand business opportunities between cohabiting members. Their success is our success.

Therefore, if you’re a freelancer, founder in the tech scene, the advertising industry, an accounting firm, a member of the legal community, in HR or recruitment, we would like to meet with you to investigating buying you out of your current lease, allowing you to join our network as quickly and as effortlessly as possible.

If you are happy in your current office or coworking space then we would like to explore jointly hosting networking events. We can’t let a little thing like a lease get in the way of good businesses meeting one another.

That’s right, they’ll buy your business out of your lease in order to get you on board. To find out more, you can check out their website, call 021 824 1781, or send a mail to innercity@ideascartel.com.

So what do you think of this SOLOffice idea? I would say they’re thinking outside of the box, but that’s an average joke at best.

The concept will also be available to be built in other, existing office spaces, so if it’s a solution you’re keen to implement, get in touch here.