Paradise

Bywater Properties, financed by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, sought to develop a six-storey office building in London that would set a new standard for low-carbon construction. The aim was to exceed the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets by achieving an embodied carbon footprint of 491kg CO₂e/m². The challenge lay in delivering a commercially viable, sustainable workspace that would appeal to modern occupiers while aligning with stringent environmental goals.

G&T provided Development Monitoring services throughout the project, ensuring that sustainability objectives were met without compromising financial viability. The building features a mass timber structure and a glazed terracotta façade, with timber sourced from sustainable forests, sequestering approximately 1,884 tonnes of CO₂ during growth. This approach locked in carbon equivalent to around 60 years of tenant emissions, setting a new benchmark for sustainable workspace. The project won the Climate, Energy & Carbon category at the 2021 World Architecture Festival Awards and the Working Category at the 2020 New London Awards.

Paradise stands as a pioneering example of sustainable office development in London. The building not only meets but exceeds industry standards for low-carbon construction, offering a high-quality workspace that aligns with the environmental commitments of both the developer and financier. G&T’s role was key in delivering a bold, materially honest building that champions climate-conscious construction and inspires future developments.