The project is said to be one of the greenest and healthiest large-scale commercial buildings in the UK, and it will use excess heat directly from the Tube network to help reduce energy consumption.
It has been designed to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum – only the second building in the UK to do so.
The 17-storey hybrid timber building, which has been designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, will be rented out on a commercial basis, helping TfL to create sustainable and long term revenue that can be reinvested into the transport network.
The development has been designed to showcase best practice in sustainable design, with the goal of achieving Net Zero carbon in line with UKGBC and London Energy Transformation Initiative definitions through a number of features.
The building will be the first designed globally to directly extract waste heat from the Tube station below to help heat it and minimise its energy consumption. Alongside next-generation air source heat pumps, solar panels and high-performance building materials, the development will achieve a 44 per cent reduction in operational carbon emissions. Combined with green power purchasing agreements and carbon offsets, the building will achieve net zero at practical completion and enable its tenants to reduce their environmental footprint.
The design of the development makes use of natural ventilation, light-filled spaces and green terraces to support the health and wellbeing of future occupiers, along with a shared garden for the building’s tenants and neighbouring residents. With new trees and plants along Isabella Street, the scheme’s design will also improve local air quality for the community.
Scott Anderson, Head of Property Development at TfL, said: “It is fantastic that we have been given the go-ahead for our office and retail development above Southwark Tube. This world-class development will create a new landmark for this part of London whilst providing vital revenue to support public transport across London.
“Sustainability has been a core focus during the development process, alongside meaningful community engagement, to make sure that we build something that will make a long-term, beneficial difference as the city and businesses embark upon a green recovery. Down to the construction materials used for the building and the placement of colours, the development’s features have been chosen to reflect and complement the local area and make it something TfL, Southwark and the local community can be proud of.”
