The transformation of the former Woolworths headquarters into Metropolis marks a new era in sustainable redevelopment. This ambitious 174,000 sq ft project reimagines a London landmark through a hybrid timber and steel solution, doubling the existing floor area while retaining the architectural integrity of the original structure. Designed by AHMM and constructed by McLaren, Metropolis embodies the future of workspace design: a building that balances heritage, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

Targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating and achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation, the redevelopment’s careful retention of original materials alone accounts for over 4,200 tonnes of carbon saved. Beyond its technical achievements, Metropolis places human experience at its core, offering an in-house café, gym, best-in-class cycling facilities, and 12,000 sq ft of private landscaped terraces across eight levels. These terraces, together with a communal rooftop garden and lounge, connect occupants directly with nature, defining Metropolis as one of the healthiest and most productive working environments in the UK.

At the heart of these outdoor spaces lies a collaboration that fuses engineering precision with landscape artistry. Europlanters were commissioned to design and manufacture the GRP planters and integrated railing systems that define the edge conditions of every terrace delivering both safety and beauty in a single architectural gesture.

Spanning a total of 300 metres of planters and 300 metres of railings over eight levels, this dual-purpose system represents a significant technical first for Europlanters. Serving as structural balustrades, the planters required detailed engineering calculations to ensure full compliance with load-bearing and safety standards. This innovative integration of form and function eliminates the need for separate structural elements, allowing uninterrupted views and a seamless visual language across the building’s exterior spaces.

On levels 1 to 6, the planters were finished in matt RAL 7042, a subtle mid-grey tone chosen to harmonise with the building’s terracotta façade. The accompanying railings, coated in matt RAL 3005, introduce a rich depth that complements the architectural palette while offering a refined contrast to the planter finish. Together, they create a rhythm of line and texture that enhances the terraces’ architectural clarity.