Case Study: Northwood Investors achieves a sustainable workplace transformation with Gensler

Northwood Investors transforms The Acre with Gensler, retaining 80% of the structure and saving 4,250 tonnes of CO₂

The customer, Northwood Investors, faced the challenge of revitalizing an aging 1980s Brutalist building in London's Covent Garden. Their goal was to meet modern sustainability objectives by moving away from demolition and instead using adaptive reuse to significantly reduce the project's environmental impact, all while creating a workplace that honored the building's history and integrated with the vibrant surrounding community. They partnered with the architecture firm Gensler for this transformation.

Gensler's solution reimagined the structure into a modern, sustainable workplace named The Acre. The design included new entrances, a glazed atrium, greened terraces, and upgraded high-efficiency systems. By retaining 80% of the original structure, Gensler saved approximately 4,250 tonnes of CO₂. The project achieved top sustainability targets, including an EPC A rating, and transformed the building into a high-performance, flexible workplace that enhances public engagement and sets a new benchmark for sustainable retrofitting in London.

Northwood Investors