London is embracing a major shift towards regenerative construction, with retrofitting now the go-to for breathing new life into ageing buildings.
Not long ago, this approach seemed unfeasible for complex estates. But now public and private sector regeneration is proving you can meet the evolving needs of users by reimagining what already exists—even on large-scale developments.
Since 2022, we’ve been working with London Metropolitan University to reimagine four key buildings – Skills & Simulation Suite, Holloway Tower, Heart of Campus Phases 1 & 2 – on their Holloway campus, unlocking a host of benefits along the way.
Different scales—one vision
The interventions range in scale, from precise demolition to significant retention, and draw on the expertise of our architects, interior designers, and graphic designers. They all follow the same principles: maximise usable space, work with the existing structure, and reposition the asset to benefit the wider campus.
Together, they form an identity for the university that reflects its forward-thinking ethos, while creating an inviting, recognisable environment for students, staff, and the wider community.
Cutting carbon, not corners
The first, and obvious, benefit is that repurposing over replacing has dramatically reduced embodied carbon. Avoiding extensive new construction and lowering the energy demand of each building has brought the university closer to its Net Zero target, with the Skills & Simulation Suite achieving SKA Silver and the Heart of the Campus aiming for Gold.
Flexible and future-proof
Introducing versatile floorplates has unlocked greater flexibility in how the buildings are used. As student or operational needs evolve, learning spaces can quickly be reconfigured, and intelligent building technologies introduced to improve the efficiency of the space. The immersive 360 VR simulation teaching suite within the Skills & Simulation Suite, for example, can replicate a range of hospital environments, reducing the need for expensive equipment within the space.
Long term, this adaptability plays a crucial role in extending the useful life of each building, allowing them to evolve over time without the need for costly overhauls in the future.
Benefiting the local community
Reimagining each asset also created opportunities for wider community benefits. The new Skills & Simulation suite, which benefits students studying our nursing and other health sciences courses for example, is more than just a teaching environment: it also provides local residents access to patient-facing clinics—a vital service at a time when the NHS is under immense pressure.
Community Meeting Spaces offer resources to those who wish to launch and grow their own businesses, reinforcing the university’s role as a catalyst for social and economic impact in the community.
Working in an active environment
Unlocking the potential of dated buildings is one challenge, but doing so without disrupting the client’s entire operation is another.
Through meticulous planning, deep consultation with the client and end users, and close collaboration with the wider project team, we’ve ensured that all sites remain largely operational during construction, quietly transforming the landscape while preserving the rhythm of daily life.
A model for ageing estates
In reworking an asset’s past, you reimagine its future. Through thoughtful interventions, we are showing you can preserve the heritage of existing assets, meet today’s occupier needs, and prepare for the demands of future generations—without defaulting to the wrecking ball.
The Skills & Simulation Suite transforms a former 1960s glass factory into an immersive teaching environment. Find out more about our first completed building for London Metropolitan University here.
