We’re thrilled to share that the Edinburgh Futures Institute has collected the Innovation Award at the British Council for Offices (BCO) National Awards 2025.
Widely recognised across the built environment, the BCO Awards celebrate the very best in office design, development and operation. This year’s ceremony took place on 7 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, where more than 1,200 senior figures from across the sector came together to celebrate excellence in workplace design and innovation.
Once Scotland’s oldest voluntary hospital, the Category A-listed Old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has been transformed into a vibrant centre for interdisciplinary working, research and collaboration. Designed by Bennetts Associates for the University of Edinburgh, the ambitious redevelopment restores and reimagines the historic building as a modern office, teaching and events space.
The restored 20,000m² site now includes state-of-the-art teaching facilities, co-working and incubation spaces, labs for innovation and prototyping, and exhibition and event areas. Judges praised the project’s excavation beneath the main concourse to create a new auditorium, as well as the innovative low-energy construction techniques that respected and enhanced the original structure – including the use of breathable linings such as Diathonite plaster and wood wool boards.
They also commended the University of Edinburgh’s commitment to turning a neglected landmark into a dynamic hub that brings academia, business and the community together.
As part of the project, Benholm Group was commissioned to supply and install planting throughout the Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard, creating a calm, biophilic environment where visitors, staff and students can connect, relax and recharge.
Working in collaboration with 442 Design, our team introduced five striking olive trees integrated within the banquette seating, surrounded by a vibrant mix of live planting that brings natural texture and vitality to the space. We also supplied the branded green planters that add visual cohesion and a touch of nature to the outdoor seating area.
Reflecting on this year’s winners, Mike Burton, Chair of the National Awards judging panel, said:
“The 2025 winners show how the UK’s office sector is leading the way in creating spaces that are not just high-performing and sustainable, but deeply human. The winning projects prove that offices can be catalysts for wellbeing, creativity and urban renewal.”
Samantha McClary, Chief Executive of the BCO, added:
“What stands out this year is the sheer diversity of innovation taking place – from circular economy construction and biophilic design to inclusive, neurodiverse environments. These workplaces, and the people who create them, reflect a sector that’s listening, learning and leading the way.”
Other winners at this year’s National Awards included:
Best of the Best / Corporate Workplace – Unusual HQ, Northampton
Commercial Workplace – One Station Hill, Reading
Fit Out of Workplace – Capital Group, 1 Paddington Square, London
Projects up to 2,500m² – Englefield Estate Yard, Reading
Refurbished / Recycled Workplace – Norton Folgate, London
ESG – Eden, Salford
Test of Time – BBC Wales, Cardiff
Customer Experience (Commercial Landlord) – Woolyard, London
Customer Experience (Corporate Occupier) – 250 Bishopsgate, London
President’s Award – Ken Shuttleworth, Make Architects
Entries for regional and national 2026 awards are now officially open. Download the 2026 Entry Guide here.
