There are slick gravel tires. The author of the article sell some of his own brand Rene Herse. They are made by japanese brand Panaracer who also produce slick and treaded gravel tires under its own name and for other companies.

Slick large volume gravel tires are also sold by most bicycle tire brands. Most of them are tubeless compatible which remove the need for reinforced heavy tires as any puncture usually seal itself thanks to sealant.

I've also commuted for years on thin cotton road tubulars so it really depends on the kind of roads your are riding on. But having high volume will certainly improve comfort and also allow for better grip in the wet and better ride when the bike is loaded which is often the case if you are commuting.