Timber Square

Southwark, London
2019 - 2025

A hybrid timber redevelopment that addresses both construction and operational carbon emissions.

Landsec’s ambitious brief is for exemplar workplace that reflects its own science-based net zero carbon commitments, together with people-centric design and porous public realm.

Several converging strands of thought – sustainability, evolving workplaces and efficient construction – helped to balance climate commitments with mainstream commercial demands. Rigorous development undertaken with the client and wider team has enabled the proposed hybrid timber construction on a scale not yet seen in the UK.

Located in Bankside and in close proximity to Tate Modern, the public realm reflects the vibrancy of Bankside with mixed uses at street level and new routes through the site. Extensive native planting significantly increases the area’s biodiversity, a theme carried through to external terraces on most levels and a series of expansive roof gardens.

The scheme will be comprised of an extended 1950s printworks and a 15-storey new building with construction to be celebrated. Finishes are kept to a minimum. Structural joints are visible and reversible – aiding future deconstruction. The resulting lean and authentic character of the buildings deliberately draws on the industrial aesthetic of the area.

“In a future where the office is one part of a wider ecosystem of physical and digital workspaces, ensuring a seamless experience for clients and employees will be more important than ever. Timber Square has the resilient infrastructure to allow that, meaning our customers are free to focus on expressing their brand and culture through their space and using their office to drive collaboration, learning and innovation.”

David Heaford
Managing Director at Landsec

Through a combination of re-used existing structure and hybrid steel/cross laminate timber structure the upfront carbon is predicted as below 550kgCO2/m2 (A1-5 @ Stage 4).

It is currently on target to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, Well Platinum and NABERS 5* minimum. It was the first UK project to compete its NABERS Independent Design Review.