Designed by Gibson Thornley Architects, the 16 Berners Street project will reduce carbon content by retaining 70% of the existing building structure and using reclaimed materials, including recycled bricks on site and the use of steel from the oil and gas industry in the structure.
Curo will convert the 28,600 m² 1930s office building while adding an additional 20% of the net area to create 35,000 m² of new space.
The old yellow London brick façade will be replaced by a red sandstone façade, while remnants of its production will be used in the interiors.
The ambitious project is scheduled for completion in 2026 and is part of Kajima's broader strategy for ESG-focused design and development, which minimizes environmental impact throughout the building's life cycle.
John Harcourt, managing director of Kajima Europe, said: “One of the most exciting aspects of 16 Berners Street is the way we have implemented our sustainability approach, for example through the use of reclaimed steel derrick columns.”
“Through a data-driven approach to sustainability, we have managed to minimize embodied carbon and breathe new life into industrial elements that would otherwise go to waste.
This is a great example of a bold advance in the way we think about construction and material resource efficiency. And it’s only a three-minute walk to the Elizabeth Line.”
David Owen, operations director at Curo Construction, said: “We are delighted to be taking the lead on the transformation of Berners Street, a project that truly reflects our commitment to sustainable construction and adaptive reuse.”
