AJ Architecture Awards
Refurbishment Finalist
AJ Retrofit Awards
Fit Out Finalist
FX* Awards
UK Workplace Finalist
Mix Awards
Workplace (5k-15k sqft) Finalist
Warmth and tactility shape the identity of the refurbished 45 Whitfield Street, drawing inspiration from the original building’s distinctive lozenge windows and curved timber reveals. A clearly defined entrance activates the ground floor, leading to a mix of breakout spaces, focus booths, meeting rooms and open-plan work areas – each designed to give tenants the right space for the right task. Outdoor terraces and generous end-of-journey facilities support wellness, calm and productivity.
- Location
- Fitzrovia, London
- Size
- 10,560 sqft
- Client
- Derwent London
We saw the project as an opportunity to reimagine 45 Whitfield Street; finding joy in its unloved assets whilst solving problems that had emerged alongside evolving ways of working. Situated round the corner from Goodge Street Underground Station, the 1970s building’s character had been diluted by a series of fit outs over the past half century. With low ceilings, minimal street presence and dated interiors, it no longer met the expectations of today’s office workers.
Derwent London appointed dMFK to reimagine the building as a 'Furnished + Flexible' workplace that combines top-class amenity and comfort – a compelling alternative to WFH. Sustainability was central to the brief: a reuse-focused, ‘build less’ approach was required to meaningfully extend 45 Whitfield Street’s lifespan. Every intervention needed to enhance versatility, wellbeing and performance, ensuring the refurbished office block is as distinctive and enduring as it is practical.
Before and After
"The retrofit of 45 Whitfield Street has created a sophisticated, statement-making workplace fitting of the neighbourhood it is set within. We worked closely with the team at dMFK to select materials that introduce warmth, tactility and character throughout the interior, drawing inspiration from the building’s beautiful existing lozenge windows with curved timber reveals.
We are absolutely delighted with the end result.”
Rebecca Lessers, Group Interiors at Derwent London
Rather than radically reinventing the structure, we focused on strategic alterations that delivered maximum impact with minimal moves. The retrofit introduces legibility across and between floors, and activates the ground level with an inviting entrance. High-quality finishes, inspired by the building’s original features, bring warmth and tactility throughout – from joinery echoing the timber lozenges of the windows to recycled timber countertops and terrazzo-style flooring.
Shared Workspaces and Communal Areas
Celebrating the 1970s character and materiality concealed by previous fit outs, the design exposes the weight and presence of the concrete structure while layering warmth, colour and carefully curated detailing. Drop-down services allow room configurations to be altered as tenants’ needs evolve. The result is a workplace that honours its heritage and adapts with ease – a space that draws people in, enhances wellbeing and fosters focus.
