The Challenge
100 Gray’s Inn Road is set to be the UK’s largest full timber structure, net zero carbon office building.
The redevelopment of Global Holdings site, located in the heart of London, will provide Cat A office accommodation over nine floors with retail at ground floor and, combined with the refurbishment and extension of the adjoining site at 88 Gray’s Inn Road, affordable housing and workspace.
For this groundbreaking project, NRP provided comprehensive Cost Consultancy support, overseeing cost management to ensure financial efficiency throughout the development, alongside delivering Transport Planning services.
The Solution
The energy and sustainability ambitions for the project include pursuing Net Zero Carbon certification, achieving LETI Pioneer Registered Project status, and targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. To support these goals, whole life‑cycle carbon and cost analyses are being undertaken to inform design decisions and ensure the development meets stringent environmental performance criteria.
The scheme incorporates lightweight CLT timber structures with low embodied carbon, complemented by high‑performance façades and precision off‑site manufacturing to minimise waste and improve construction efficiency. To enhance occupier experience and promote well‑being, the design integrates green and blue roofs, generous roof terraces, north‑light daylighting strategies, and dedicated wellbeing spaces throughout.
Operational carbon reductions are achieved through an efficient building services approach, including air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and displacement ventilation systems.
NRP’s Transport Planning team has also shaped a transport strategy centred on active travel and sustainable movement. The project prioritises walking and cycling through high‑quality secure cycle parking, and end‑of‑trip facilities that encourage low‑carbon travel choices. A comprehensive servicing strategy has also been developed reducing vehicle impact on the public realm. This integrated approach supports a cleaner, safer and more accessible environment while aligning with emerging local and national transport policies.
The Results
- Achieved significant embodied‑carbon reduction through CLT timber structures and high‑performance façades.
- Optimised whole‑life carbon performance, informed by detailed carbon and cost modelling.
- Delivered operational carbon savings via air‑source heat pumps, PV arrays and displacement ventilation systems.
- Enhanced building usability and occupier wellbeing through green/blue roofs, natural daylighting and dedicated wellbeing spaces.
- Advanced Net Zero Carbon and BREEAM Excellent pathways, aligning design decisions with LETI Pioneer benchmarks.
- Supported planning success by aligning the transport strategy with local policy requirements and sustainable mobility targets
