BCO Tour & Talk at Metropolis Marylebone: exploring Retrofit

Where Retrofit Meets Occupier Experience

Hosted by General Projects with our helping hand and organised by the British Council for Offices, the BCO Tour & Talk welcomed members to Metropolis Marylebone, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of London’s most ambitious workplace transformations.

The morning brought together Danny Davies [General Projects], Philip Turner [AHMM], Karl Stauss [AET Flexible Space] and moderator Samantha McClary [BCO] to discuss how the former Woolworths headquarters has evolved into a contemporary, all-electric workplace. Rather than focusing solely on sustainability credentials, the conversation explored a broader question: what makes people genuinely want to spend time in a workplace?

Designing for people first

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was that environmental certifications should be the outcome of good design — not the objective.

From abundant natural daylight and planted terraces to mixed-mode ventilation, flexible floorplates and biophilic design, every decision at Metropolis was driven by the occupier experience. As Danny Davies noted during the discussion, “The real measure of a workplace is how it feels to be there on an ordinary Wednesday afternoon.”

The panel also highlighted how retaining the existing concrete structure and introducing a cross-laminated timber extension increased the building’s floor area by 40%, demonstrating that commercial growth and carbon reduction can successfully go hand in hand.

Engineering flexibility into retrofit

Representing AET, Head of Client Delivery Karl Stauss shared how the building’s underfloor air conditioning strategy supports the wider architectural vision. Designed to work alongside Metropolis’ mixed-mode ventilation approach, the system helps deliver flexibility, occupant comfort and long-term adaptability while working within the constraints of the retained structure.

Following the discussion, guests toured the building to experience the engineering first-hand, seeing how the underfloor system integrates seamlessly with the architecture while supporting a healthier and more adaptable workplace.

Thank you to the British Council for Offices, General Projects, AHMM, everyone who attended, and the wider project team for making it such an engaging and insightful morning.