Make’s retrofit-led refurbishment of 55 Baker Street granted planning approval

Make’s refurbishment and extension of 55 Baker Street has been granted planning approval, marking the second major retrofit of the building since our original design in 2005.

Our initial pioneering retrofit of 55 Baker Street, commissioned by London + Regional Properties, was a leading example of sustainable adaptive reuse. Retaining over 70% of the original structure, the scheme introduced three distinctive glazed infill structures known as ‘masks’ to unify the facade and create a striking new identity, representing a state-of-the-art commercial workplace development of its time.

Our reimagined vision for this prominent urban block two decades on continues to champion a ‘re-use first’ strategy, which aligns with Westminster City Council’s ‘Retrofit First’ policy.

A range of sustainable design principles have been incorporated to reduce carbon emissions across the building’s life cycle. 90% of the existing substructure and superstructure will be retained while new interventions will be introduced to meet current standards of user comfort, building performance and wellbeing amenity. These include high-performance facades, upgraded plant equipment, and the replacement of outdated MEP systems with modern low-energy infrastructure, significantly improving operational energy performance in an all-electric strategy. Additionally, a new lightweight rooftop extension has been sensitively considered to continue the design language of the 2005 works, forming a cohesive crown.

18 accessible terraces set across four levels will greatly enhance biodiversity and external amenity, contributing to a high urban greening factor and offering high-quality outdoor space for office users. Generous planting, soft surfaces and informal seating areas are arranged to support flexible use — from quiet working and social interaction to informal meetings and events. The existing building fabric will be improved by introducing upgraded windows to provide better natural ventilation and daylight.

Material circularity has been embraced to minimise demolition and waste with existing steelwork and facade components carefully reused on site, selectively replaced or returned to the supply chain, wherever possible. New elements will be designed using lean principles, prioritising recycled content and low-carbon alternatives.

A proposed central courtyard on the ground floor will transform the public realm interface by introducing a lush, verdant landscape that enhances both the arrival experience and the street presence of the building. A double-height entrance lobby will replace the former single-height entrance, offering clear views through to the interior atrium and showcasing the planting and greenery within. Located within close proximity to the Elizabeth line and London Underground stations, the scheme offers enhanced end-of-trip facilities and expanded cycle storage to support active, sustainable travel for office workers commuting to and from the building.

55 Baker Street is targeting credentials for BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, NABERS 5*, WELL Platinum, LEED Platinum, and an EPC A rating to enable measurable outcomes across operational and embodied carbon, biodiversity and health. With planning approval now granted, construction is set to begin on site in 2028.

Inviting the public in

55 Baker Street