THE BUILDING

Built in 1965, The Met Building’s Tower and Podium was inspired by the archetypal Lever Building in New York – which is a style that became popular along Euston Road. It is set on the fringe of the Bedford Estate Conservation area of Bloomsbury, and sits as a postmodern block in an area of 19th century terraces.

THE CHALLENGE

Our challenge was to retain and repurpose as much of the existing structure as possible, while improving internal connectivity with new staircases and enhancing wellbeing amenities. At the base of the stairs, we aimed to extend the circular approach with a cycle stair leading to a bike store, complete with a repair shop and advanced end-of-trip facilities.

THE OUTCOME

Our redesign retained the external facades, reducing CO2 emissions by 40%.
To achieve this, we used the rear wall of the podium for fire compartmentation, eliminating the need for specialised 2-hour fire-protected glass and cutting costs by 30%.
We aso rethought spaces to connect tenants with nature, fostering a healthier, more social environment. Although there was no external amenity space for the tower or podiums, we repurposed the large, unused plant areas on the podium and roof. With careful planning, we transformed these spaces into imaginative, multi-level roof gardens and outdoor relaxation areas, including a floating patio over the service yard.

THE FACTS

  • Whole Life Cycle embodied carbon of 732kg CO2e/m², beating RIBA's 2030 target of 750kg CO2e/m²
  • The building falls within LETI Band B for Net Zero emissions, a significant feat for a design from 2016 BREEAM "Excellent" rating, placing it in the top 10% of UK office buildings
  • Won the 2023 BCO London Award for "Best Commercial Workplace," praised for its sustainable design and reuse of original building elements

THE DETAILS

Project length
2019-2022

Team Developer
Lazari

Architect
Forme UK

Interior Designer
Forme UK

Client
Lazari Properties 1

Project Manager
Mark Hanbury Young Associates

Contractor
Vert

Structural Engineer
The Morton Partnership (TMP)

M&E Engineers
GLP

Date
2021-2023