Designed by Gibson Thornley architects, the 16 Berners Street project will reduce embodied carbon by retaining 70% of the building’s existing structure and utilising reclaimed materials, including recycling bricks on site and utilising steel from the oil and gas industry in the structure.

Curo will transform the 1930s-built 28,600 sq ft office building while also adding a further 20% of net area to provide 35,000 sq ft of new space.

The old yellow London brick facade will be replaced with a red sandstone façade while off-cuts from its production are used in in the interiors.

Due to be completed in 2026, the ambitious project is part of Kajima’s broader strategy of ESG-driven design and development, minimising the environmental impact throughout the building’s lifecycle.

John Harcourt, managing director at Kajima Europe, said: “One of the most exciting aspects of 16 Berners Street is how we have implemented our approach to sustainability, for example through the use of reclaimed steel oil rig columns.

“By taking a data-driven approach to sustainability, we’ve managed to minimise embodied carbon and give new life to industrial elements that would otherwise go to waste.

“This is a great example of a bold step forward in how we think about construction and material resource efficiency. And its only a three-minute walk to the Elizabeth Line”

David Owen, Operations Director at Curo Construction, said: “We are excited to take the lead on the transformation of Berners Street, a project that truly reflects our commitment to sustainable construction and adaptive reuse.”