Planning permission has been granted to FCBStudios and Bywater Properties for a six-storey net-zero carbon office development in Vauxhall
The net-zero carbon office scheme, named Paradise, will replace the disused Costa Coffee roastery on Old Paradise Street.
The scheme will transform a neglected and disused site into 60,000 sq ft of flexible work and maker space.
Paradise will be a landmark timber framed building. The building will have a cross-laminated timber structure and an extruded terracotta façade.
The proposals are on target for almost 60 years of a negative carbon footprint.
The floor heights and flexible open-plan layout, in combination with the servicing strategy, will create a building that is future flexible and low energy in use.
This whole-life approach to the net-zero carbon office has also been reflected in the consideration given to the end of life strategy, such as connections for the structure allowing for easy disassembly.
The workplace will support the health and wellbeing of future occupiers from within the building and has been designed with WELL standards in mind.
The timber structure will be exposed, with natural light and ventilation maximised throughout.
At second floor level, the open floor plate will bring a strong visual connection from passing trains to the historic Old Paradise Gardens.
The site is a key link in the green chain that joins Waterloo to Vauxhall.
‘A collective approach to sustainable design’
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.
“With this scheme receiving planning permission, we hope it will set the standard for office design that is net-carbon zero and has the wellbeing of the user at the fore. We are looking forward to bringing it to fruition.”
Bywater has proposed that up to 13% of the total floor area should be non-office (light industrial and maker space) of which 68% is affordable and made available first to local businesses.
Options for a number of layouts have been developed with Bywater, which respond to the current and future requirements of the workplace.
Theo Michell, principal of Bywater Properties, commented: “We are extremely proud to have received planning permission for Paradise at what is a critical time for our environment and economy.
“We know that if we are to make a sustainable recovery from the impact of Covid-19, we must build in a way which is cleaner, greener and healthier than before.
“We believe this project sets a benchmark for healthy and environmentally aware design. At Bywater, we are committed to exploring sustainable and low-carbon alternatives for 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, added: “Receiving planning permission for Paradise is the result of many years of hard work and we are grateful to Lambeth Council for their decision.
“Vauxhall is a fantastic area for this kind of development, bringing new businesses and employment opportunities and complementing the Albert Embankment opportunity area.
“The Bywater team has worked hard to create something truly special for this site and we are excited to be continuing our journey.”
The net-zero carbon office development will enable the creation of jobs in Lambeth, and in providing this kind of flexible workspace encourage the creative industries to operate in this part of London.
