Holborn Viaduct has achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating at design stage, securing an impressive 92% score under the BREEAM New Construction 2018 Office assessment and underscoring the impact of early, integrated sustainability decision-making.
The 400,000 sq ft GIA commercial scheme will deliver a best-in-class, future-ready workplace and will become the new headquarters for international law firm Hogan Lovells. The project is being delivered for client Royal London Asset Management, with PLP Architecture as architect, Avison Young as project manager, Heyne Tillett Steel as structural engineer, Farrer Huxley as Landscape Architect and Hilson Moran providing building services engineering and sustainability expertise.
In line with Royal London Asset Management Property’s commitment to responsible property investment and its sustainable development standards, Holborn Viaduct is designed around performance, low Carbon ambitions and long-term operational efficiency and represents a first-generation all-electric office building. The design incorporates heat pumps, passive design measures and mixed-mode ventilation to significantly reduce operational energy demand and carbon emissions, supported by a detailed in-use operational energy model and ambitious NABERS targets.
Carbon reduction has been embedded throughout the project. A comprehensive materials strategy includes reusing existing building materials from demolition and replacing around a third of cement-based products with low-carbon alternatives. This approach, alongside a no Cat A fit-out strategy and a robust waste and circular economy plan, has delivered exceptionally strong scores across the materials and waste categories of the BREEAM assessment.
Water efficiency has been another key focus, with greywater harvesting and low-water-use strategies delivering a reduction of more than 55% against the BREEAM baseline and achieving full credits under the water category.
The development also prioritises health, wellbeing and biodiversity. A biodiverse roof garden provides accessible outdoor space for all building users, while a prominent atrium staircase encourages movement and social connectivity. Fitness facilities, extensive cycle storage and high-quality shower provision support active travel, alongside improvements to the local cycling network and the introduction of a new public lift improving street-to-bridge accessibility.
Ecological value on the site has been transformed, delivering a remarkable 1000% ecological improvement. Two protected trees at the front of the site, subject to Tree Preservation Orders, have been carefully integrated into the building design, influencing façade development and reinforcing the project’s sensitive response to its historic context, including its location adjacent to Grade II listed viaduct and gatehouses.
Hilson Moran has played a pivotal role in achieving the BREEAM Outstanding outcome, with ongoing BREEAM Accredited Professional involvement shaping key sustainability decisions from the earliest design stages. The project has also presented unique challenges, including the discovery of Roman artefacts during construction, with the wider team working closely with archaeologists to ensure works remained on programme while safeguarding important heritage finds.
Completing in 2026, Holborn Viaduct demonstrates how collaborative, performance-led design can deliver exceptional sustainability outcomes alongside commercial and heritage considerations.
