Holbein Gardens, London

Grosvenor

The transformation of Holbein Gardens saw a tired 1980s office building refurbished and extended to create a modern workplace. The scheme embracing biodiversity, energy efficiency and circular construction methods which delivered a low embodied carbon scheme.

TFT’s work on this project began when we co-created Grosvenor’s sustainable development brief. The brief encompasses themes such as climate resilience, social benefit, connectivity, green spaces, resource use and much more, to set the stage for more sustainable projects across the Grosvenor portfolio.

Holbein Gardens became a test case for the brief, and we took a holistic approach to creating a more sustainable space. We applied the brief from top to bottom: from its blue roof down to its windows – openable and connected to air quality sensors which monitored outside conditions – through to use of lime plaster with low VOCs down to the floors, which were reused along with other materials throughout the project.

A new lease of life for existing materials

Holbein Gardens is a LETI (London Energy Transformation Initiative) Pioneer Project, with 300kg/co2e/m2 embodied carbon – even lower than LETI’s 2030 upfront carbon target (350kgCO2/m2). We did this by using reclaimed steel for 34% of the structure as well as reclaimed stone and brickwork. We also eliminated 99% of site waste, and designed the structure and brickwork for future disassembly, preserving these materials for another life.

Circularity was at the heart of our approach to the scheme, particularly important when considering carbon-intense steel elements. Part of the solution was to extract steel from another Grosvenor site in Bermondsey, analysing the most suitable material, adapting it for Holbein Gardens and incorporating it within the new structure.  

In turn, steel in the former roof of Holbein Gardens went through the same process, becoming new risers in the refurbished building. Some steel which came out of Holbein Gardens during this project found a new home elsewhere, as part of the roof at Grosvenor’s Fivefields building.

A detailed approach to sustainability

Holbein Gardens is designed to operate as an energy-efficient space, with efficient lighting, mechanical equipment, and a renewable energy supply.

We also included the following measures to reduce operational energy in-use:  

  • Openable windows and passive design measures to enable future adaptation for different uses or climate scenarios 
  • Natural daylight optimisation to reduce artificial lighting requirements and energy demands 
  • A complete programme for future Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & Heating (MEPH) plant replacement, and plans for planned preventative maintenance (PPM) all designed to extend the useful life of the plant equipment 

 We also considered measures to improve the wellbeing of occupants and deliver a biodiversity net gain of 200%, by dedicating 11% of the building’s Gross Internal Area (GIA) to green spaces that support the Wild West End initiative. The Wild West End aims to create more green urban infrastructure through a combination of green roofs and walls, planters and flower boxes, street trees to provide a habitat for birds, bees and bats. The initiative also improves quality of life for people, lowering stress levels and increasing satisfaction and wellbeing in the public realm, creating an environment for us all to live, work, and visit. 

Holbein Gardens is constructed within UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Framework, targeting:

  • EPC A rating
  • NABERS 4.5*
  • BREEAM Outstanding
  • WELL Enabled

Work undertaken