Retained façade for BREEAM Outstanding office scheme

A stone-clad building in Central London that was built in two phases between 1915 and 1929, is being sustainably redeveloped to create an environmentally sustainable office scheme.

Named The Smith (7 Millbank), the project involves the demolition of the existing structure, and construction of a new nine-storey steel-framed development.

Aiming to achieve the environmental standards of BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL Platinum and NABERS Design for Performance 5* accreditations, the project’s design has sustainability at its core.

The original Portland stone façade has been carefully dismantled and safely stored for reuse. Once the new steel frame is fully erected, the stone will be returned to site and re-installed, helping the neighbourhood maintain its historic character.

Working on behalf of Skanska, William Hare is fabricating, supplying and erecting 1,600t of steelwork for the project.

Skanska Project Director Neil Keogh said: “A steel frame is lighter than other solutions and meant we were able to minimise excavation, install fewer new foundations, and reduce the concrete volume.

“The use of steelwork also allowed the design to have minimal internal columns and spans of up to 13m-long, creating the desired modern and flexible office floorplates.”

The Smith is due to complete in May 2027.