Mayo Clinic Healthcare Facility

Located in a historic conservation area opposite the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Broadcasting House complex, 15 Portland Place matched our client’s aspiration to combine the Mayo Clinic’s strong heritage and brand reputation with a modern premier healthcare facility in the heart of London. Retention and conservation of historic features within the building envelope, alongside an interior design reinforcing contemporary elegance, was central to the client brief.

We used the RIBA Plan of Work from stages zero to six to organize our process for designing the technically complex building. Unlike most of the buildings in the area, which were designed with neoclassic Adam style architecture from the 1770s, 15 Portland Place was designed in a neoclassic 1930s style.

The challenging project involved conversion works throughout, from a new load-bearing basement slab housing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to a new executive and conferencing suite on the top floor. Careful consideration went into the material selection, including high-class signage and infection control fabrics, to ensure synergy between serviceability, cost and look.

Using bespoke banquette seating, we harmonized irregular ceilings and existing window positions to transform an outdated office building into a modern health clinic. Heritage features, including wood wall panelling, architraves and a listed Georgian fireplace, were brought into focus alongside crisp white walls, silk effect wall coverings, marble tiles, hand-crafted fabrics and a hand-blown chandelier.

Fitwel wellbeing standards were applied throughout, ensuring abundant natural light and highly rated materials to meet Fitwel sustainability and indoor air quality standards. We incorporated new energy-efficient air handling units, LED motion-sensor lighting systems and water-saving bathrooms throughout the building. Specified interior finishes fall within BREAAM UK non-domestic refurbishment and fit-out standards, with standard 5-10-year lifecycles.