We are enhancing the environmental performance of our buildings through retrofitting and working within the One Planet Living framework to ensure that our developments make a positive contribution to the lives of those in our community and the wider environment.

Bioregional

Achieving BREEAM Outstanding rating & Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4: 1 – 9 Seymour Street

Built on the site of the former Marylebone police station, 1-9 Seymour Street is an exemplar mixed-use scheme in the heart of London.
The project created 48,000 sq ft of new office space and a further 24 high-quality apartments, as well as community spaces and a new restaurant which is occupied by KOL. The building sits in the top 1% of sustainable non-domestic buildings in the country, having achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating, with the residential element set to reach the equivalent of the former Code for Sustainable Homes level four.

Achieving improved building fabric performance: Z Hotels at Gloucester Place

One of our most recent successes is Z Hotels on Gloucester Place. The hotel which is made up of a number of listed traditional Georgian townhouses, posed a number challenges to the Estate, including its environmental impact.
We set new airtightness targets to reduce operational carbon emissions and improve thermal comfort. These targets were exceeded in many cases through greater attention to detail and elements of Passivhaus and Whole Life Carbon principles. The hotel is now a popular destination for visitors in Marylebone, improving the hotel offering on Gloucester Place and complementing our retail offering.

Achieving ‘Passivhaus EnerPHit’ standard: 2 Gloucester Place Mews

The ‘Passivhaus’ standard was developed in Germany in the 1990s as a rigorous and voluntary standard for energy efficiency in buildings. It far exceeds UK building regulations.
In 2018 we achieved the standard at the Grade II listed 2 Gloucester Place Mews in Marylebone and in doing so, created the first listed building in the UK to be certified to the Passivhaus EnerPHit standard.* Whilst undertaking an extensive repair and sensitive reconfiguration of the heritage property, the project team integrated a suite of measures to achieve the required insulation and airtightness levels. This included:
  • installing an innovative airtight membrane and aerogel super insulation within the external walls,
  • triple-glazed secondary windows,
  • designing out thermal bridges and,
  • mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system.
Extensive planning and collaboration were required to manage this pioneering project and achieve an ultra-low energy home. The property achieved a 76% reduction in operational carbon emissions and the long-term benefits for the occupants include ultra-low energy costs, improved indoor air quality, thermal comfort and self-maintained moisture and humidity levels throughout the year. We monitored the post-occupancy performance of the property to continue learning from this innovative project and we are applying Passivhaus principles to other projects. The project featured in the Marylebone Journal.

Achieving Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4: 23-25 Castlereagh Street

In 2015, we achieved our first Code for Sustainable Homes level 4 on our new residential development at 23-25 Castlereagh Street.
The development created 10 units and included highly insulated timber panel construction, enhanced levels of airtightness, heat recovery systems, photovoltaics and green roofs to enhance local biodiversity.

Member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme

The Considerate Constructors Scheme is an independently managed, not-for-profit organisation that works side-by-side with the construction industry and the public to raise standards and build trust in construction. 
“Over the last 20 years, the development of the Estate has gone from strength to strength. ”