Tavistock Place

Revitalising a Historic Landmark into a Contemporary Workplace and Worship Space for The Methodist Church

Orbit Architects proudly led the design development and delivery of a transformative Cat B office fit-out at 25 Tavistock Place, breathing new life into a previously unoccupied building for the Methodist Church. 

Spanning five floors and incorporating 1,900 sqm of flexible workspace, the project showcases a harmonious blend of contemporary design and historic sensitivity.

The building, which had stood vacant for several years, was acquired by the client in 2022 with the vision of creating a vibrant, multifunctional space. Orbit was commissioned to build on the Stage 3 design originally developed by Manalo & White. Orbit significantly redesigned the original Stage 3 design, reconfiguring the building to meet the client's evolving needs and aspirations.

Our approach focused on maximising the building's potential while addressing key challenges of working with existing buildings such as planning restraints in a conservation area. The office floors were redesigned to provide contemporary open-plan spaces, and the lift and stair core were extended to allow access to a newly formed roof terrace. The ground floor slab was removed to create a striking double-height reception, which doubles as a welcoming collaboration hub and a flexible worship and event space.

Additional improvements included the creation of new washroom and shower facilities at the lower ground level, complete with cycle storage, and careful coordination of M&E services to optimise ceiling heights within the constrained layout. To respect planning and conservation area requirements, the roof terrace and stair overrun were designed with minimal visual impact from street level, ensuring harmony with the surrounding historic context.

This transformation has had a meaningful impact on those who use the space. The flexible office layout fosters collaboration and productivity among staff, while the roof terrace offers a peaceful outdoor retreat for reflection and connection in the heart of London. The double-height reception, with its welcoming atmosphere, has become a vibrant hub for informal meetings, worship, and events, fostering a sense of community and purpose. The inclusive design ensures that visitors and staff of all ages and abilities can comfortably navigate and enjoy the space, underscoring the Church’s commitment to accessibility.

The design also prioritised sustainability, with existing glazing and timber features carefully repurposed to retain the building’s character while achieving a BREEAM ‘Good’ rating. This contributes to the Methodist Church’s broader goal of reaching net-zero emissions and aligns with their vision of stewardship and responsibility.

The result is a rejuvenated building that seamlessly combines flexible, collaborative office space with areas for worship and reflection. With a delighted client and a revitalised space, 25 Tavistock Place stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can positively transform heritage buildings to meet modern needs.