The Ada Building

Elevating a Mayfair property through a High-End Transformation

Orbit is proud to reveal the transformation of The Ada Building at 15 Berkeley Street, where a tired commercial building was reimagined into a premium workspace in the heart of Mayfair. Previously constrained by a small floor plate and lacking the high-quality finishes expected in this prestigious location, the building required a sensitive yet ambitious approach to unlock its full potential.

The Ada Building project is intrinsically linked to the neighbouring Orbit project - Empress Building at 35 Dover Street. Originally known as the Empress Club, the site was purpose-built in 1887 and inaugurated by Queen Victoria as an exclusive women’s club. Over time, the site transitioned into a mixed-use space but suffered from a lack of investment, leaving it tired and unloved. Now, with new ownership, both buildings have undergone a thoughtful reinvention,  creating a more sustainable future for the building.

Delivering additional lettable space within the existing structure was a key challenge at Berkeley Street. Any interventions had to respect the building’s heritage while introducing modern office standards. Orbit worked closely with the Design Team comprising of , Stiff + Trevillion, and Collins Construction for the client Tokoro Capital, to devise a strategy to expand upwards. The design solution added a discreet mansard roof with dormers that conceal a 700 sq ft landscaped roof terrace, an exclusive retreat for tenants, seamlessly integrated within the planning constraints of the area.

Whether arriving through the Empress or the Ada Building, visitors are greeted by original stained-glass windows from the Empress Club, depicting powerful women from history, from Cordelia to Cleopatra - an enduring symbol of strength and tradition.

Inside, the workplace refurbishment balances craftsmanship and contemporary design. Bespoke joinery and refined finishes in ceramic, timber, and porcelain establish a sophisticated aesthetic, while a striking staircase enhances natural light and connectivity across the upper floors. Externally, Welsh slate and a refreshed façade ensure the building sits harmoniously within its Mayfair setting, reinforcing its premium status.

The office floors prioritise wellbeing for its occupants, with openable windows for natural ventilation, maximised daylight, private outdoor spaces, and high indoor air quality through the use low-VOC materials. 15 Berkeley Street’s workspace is designed to meet the highest environmental standards, with a minimum EPC B rating and a pending BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification.

Now fully reimagined, 15 Berkeley Street offers a high-spec, flexible workspace that seamlessly blends heritage and contemporary luxury. As custodians of this historic site, we have ensured that both the Ada and the Empress buildings remain true to their past while embracing a forward-thinking, sustainable future, by creating workplaces for people that inspire, embolden, and stand the test of time.