Bywater Properties’ proposed six-storey carbon neutral office development in Vauxhall has won a prestigious NLA Award in the Working Category.
The scheme, named Paradise, wowed judges with its plans to use an innovative Cross Laminated Timber structure to make the building carbon neutral for 60 years of operation. This technology also means the scheme will be able to capture approximately 1,000 tonnes of carbon across its lifecycle, setting a new standard of true net-zero development in the Capital.
The judges at the NLA’s annual Awards, which seek projects of the highest design quality and make a positive contribution to their surroundings and life in the capital, chose the project from a competitive shortlist due to its strong sustainability credentials.
The new building, designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, will replace the disused Costa Coffee roastery on Old Paradise Street and provide 60,000 square feet of flexible work and maker space.
Theo Michell, Principle of Bywater Properties commented: “This award highlights the uniqueness of the project and Bywater’s commitment to creating healthy and environmentally aware design. We continually look at ways to explore sustainable and low-carbon alternatives for our buildings and we look forward to bringing our plans for Paradise to life”.
Richard Walker, Chairman of Bywater Properties and Managing Director of Iceland Foods commented: “It is imperative that every sector works towards ways to create a greener environment. As a developer rather than long-term owner, we recognise the limits of our influence over the long-term use of buildings. However, by creating this innovative carbon neutral space we can enable tenants and future owners of Paradise to build on our work towards a sustainable low carbon future.
The exposed timber structure will make a central feature of the open plan workspace that maximises natural light and ventilation throughout. Workers will also have access and views of the neighbouring gardens and the unique ceramic façade has been heavily influenced by nature and the heritage of this part of Lambeth.
The façade’s design draws inspiration from the former Royal Doulton Headquarters nearby and the glazed ceramic cladding reflects a progressive approach that uses traditional materials in a contemporary manner.
Alex Whitbread, Partner at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios said: “Paradise was born of a collective approach to sustainable design, humanistic values and quality place-making, but also the desire to make a healthy and innovative workplace that people would love to use.
“Paradise is designed to be part of its local and citywide community and to make a responsible contribution globally. We hope it will set the standard for office design that is net zero carbon and has the well-being of the user at the fore. We are looking forward to bringing it to fruition.”
The development will also enable the creation of up to 700 new jobs in Lambeth and encourage the arrival of the creative industries to this part of London.
