We worked with investment firm FORE Partnership to transform an out-of-date 1980s office building next to Tower Bridge into one of the UK’s most sustainable and healthy offices.
Reflecting FORE’s commitment to retrofit first rather than rebuild, the existing five-storey building was stripped back and renewed through a deep refurbishment, preserving the embodied carbon in the frame. Two floors were added, with a third additional floor set back from Tower Bridge to create a terrace and club room with views over London (below).
View from TBC.London
All tenants have direct access to this outdoor space through terraces, balconies, and gardens. The ground floor also incorporate a flexible, 3,000 square feet multi-use space that will be available for community uses.
Net zero carbon in operation
TBC.London is 100% electric and net zero carbon in operation, with no fossil fuels used in running the property. Designed by architect Stiff + Trevillion, the project is EPC A and BREEAM 'Outstanding', the highest possible environmental assessments.
The building is also targeting WELL Platinum, the highest rating under the WELL Building Institute’s certification programme, a global rating system which serves as a marker of healthy building design. Only around 30 offices across the globe have attained a Platinum rating, and combined with the target BREEAM score, TBC.London is aiming to be one of Europe’s greenest, healthiest buildings.
TBC.London: overview and challenges
- Complex Site: Located next to Tower Bridge and a Grade II listed building, the site presented logistical challenges and required careful monitoring to avoid damage to historical structures.
- Adaptive Reuse: The project involved retaining and repurposing the existing concrete frame of a 1980s office building, rather than complete demolition. This approach prioritised sustainability and embodied carbon reduction.
- Innovation: The project embraced innovative solutions, such as the QFlow app for tracking embodied carbon and waste, and the use of recycled steel.
- Space Constraints: The limited site footprint meant 'Just-in-Time Deliveries' were essential in this constrained environment.
- BREEAM Outstanding: Targeting the highest BREEAM rating, a leading sustainability assessment method for buildings.
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WELL Platinum: Aiming for the highest WELL Building Institute certification, focusing on building health and wellbeing.
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EPC A: Targeting an Energy Performance Certificate 'A' rating, indicating high energy efficiency.
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WiredScore Platinum: Prepared for WiredScore Platinum certification, which will place it among the best-in-class digitally connected buildings across the globe
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Retrofit-First Approach: The project prioritizes reusing the existing structure and making the most of the circular economy, rather than demolishing the building.