262 High Holborn occupies a prominent spot in one of London’s busiest thoroughfares. With its minimalist Portland stone façade and intricate heraldic relief, it remains a strong example of mid-century architecture. However, sixty years after its construction, the building no longer met modern office standards. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, we saw an opportunity to retain much of the original structure while introducing new, sustainable elements. The challenge was to blend old and new in a way that reduced carbon emissions, enhanced functionality, and preserved architectural character.
262 High Holborn
London W1
Balancing heritage with modernity
Retaining more, reducing carbon
- Our approach focused on reuse over reconstruction, minimising embodied carbon by retaining key structural elements.
- Demolishing and rebuilding would have required significant amounts of carbon-intensive materials like concrete and steel. Instead, we worked with what was already there, retrofitting new elements where necessary.
- The lack of original drawings meant we had to make educated structural assumptions, sometimes leading to trial and error.
- While many materials had aged beyond reuse, we successfully preserved the basement slabs, foundations, and perimeter walls, replacing the core and adding new floors and roof terraces.
Sustainability in action
- A ground-source heat pump powers a high-efficiency chilled beam air conditioning system.
- LED lighting is integrated with daylight sensors to reduce energy use.
- Large windows and high ceilings maximise natural light, enhancing occupant wellbeing.
The impact
- BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, confirming our commitment to sustainability.
- Estimated 23,000 kg annual reduction in operational emissions.
- Projected 20% reduction in running costs due to energy-efficient systems.
- A high-quality, adaptable workspace that balances architectural heritage with innovation.
262 High Holborn set the benchmark for how we approach sustainable retrofitting. It reinforced the idea that buildings designed with longevity in mind outlast their typical lifespan, and that sustainable choices don’t just reduce emissions—they create spaces that are cost-effective, adaptable, and built for the future.
