3XN GXN, alongside property development company British Land, has announced that they are leading the redevelopment of London’s Euston Tower. Built in 1970, the commercial high-rise was viewed as a cutting-edge office space. However, changing tenancy needs have seen a gradual reduction in its inhabitants, leading to the building’s vacancy in 2021. 

The aim for the renewed Euston Tower is to transform it into a pioneering, welcoming, net-zero workspace in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. The project falls in line with the sustainability goals and expertise of British Land, the Greater London Authority and Borough of Camden, and 3XN GXN. As noted in a release, the joint vision for the project sets out to lead the way in low-carbon retrofit and construction techniques, as well as using inclusive design to support the workspaces and local community.

As stated by 3XN Senior Partner Audun Opdal, “We are proud to work on this highly progressive project and feel our proposals will transform the disused Euston Tower into a beautifully designed, sustainable new building, delivering workspaces for the future and accessible and inclusive spaces for neighboring communities.” 

The undertaking began with a thorough feasibility study of the current condition of Euston Tower to ensure the work minimizes carbon emissions and waste. This formed the basis for the retrofit strategy, which includes entirely preserving the foundations, basement, and core. The community has also been involved in the design process through an engagement program that identified local priorities, aspirations, and previous challenges. 

“The process on this project has been one that combines the full expertise of 3XN GXN,” added Opdal. “The community engagement process, coupled with a behavioral brief developed through studies by GXN, have helped create a design framework that will ensure the project is meaningful and responsive to its community for decades to come. The process to reach the project’s sustainability vision has been complex, interdisciplinary, and intersectional, informed not just by 3XN GXN and British Land but by countless experts – as lasting sustainability visions need to be.”

The design proposal for the reimagined Euston Tower responds to three key principles formed during the feedback process. First, the redesign aims to break down barriers between the local community and commercial workspaces through accessible and inclusive spaces. Next, the community workshops informed the new colorful and textured façade of the tower, which brings warmth and contributes to the reduction of operational carbon performance. Lastly, the design prioritizes flexibility and adaptability. 

The project also includes the expansion of the building area and the public realm at the ground level. The ground level will include ample green area, flexible space for events, and will provide opportunities for people to rest and relax. The net zero carbon strategy centers on retaining, reusing, and recycling existing material, specifying low carbon and recycled materials where new are required, and only using certified carbon offsets as a last resort. 

“This is a unique opportunity to transform a London landmark desperately in need of revival, ensuring it is fit for the future by adopting cutting-edge sustainability practices and attracting leading life sciences occupiers where it currently lies vacant,” said Head of Development at British Land, David Lockyer. “The desire to retain, reuse, and recycle as much of the building fabric as possible while creating high quality flexible and sustainable workspaces is a blueprint for other projects facing similar challenges.”

The project proposal is currently on public display and is inviting feedback from the local community. The project team aims to submit a planning application for Euston Tower by the end of the year.