1 Triton Square – Interior Angled
1 Triton Square – Interior Glass Crop
1 Triton Square – Staircase Crop
1 Triton Square – Interior Crop
Overview
Situated adjacent to Euston Tower within London’s rapidly developing Knowledge Quarter, 1 Triton Square underwent a major retrofit transformation designed to reposition the building as British Land’s new science and technology campus. The redevelopment aimed to create a collaborative hub where startup founders, researchers, investors, policymakers, and technologists could work together to drive innovation and scale breakthrough technologies.
Rather than demolish and rebuild the structure, the project team pursued an ambitious retrofit strategy to convert an ageing office development into a modern, high-performance workplace for the next generation of science and technology businesses. This approach aligned with the growing emphasis across the built environment on reducing embodied carbon while extending the lifecycle of existing buildings.
The project was led by Arup, the original designers of the building over two decades earlier, who shared a strong commitment to retrofit-first design principles. Early feasibility assessments highlighted the building’s potential for significant carbon savings through refurbishment rather than replacement.
Structura was appointed to deliver specialist façade engineering works as part of this transformation. The scope included the design and installation of timber curtain walling, acoustic timber louvres, glazing systems, and projecting workspace pods within the central atrium. The project ultimately delivered one of the most technically complex timber curtain wall installations completed in the United Kingdom, combining architectural innovation with measurable sustainability outcomes.
Details
Client:
British Land
Location:
Regent’s Place, London
Architect:
ARUP
Main Contractor:
Overbury
The Challenge
Transforming an ageing office development into a modern science and technology campus required a careful balance between architectural ambition, engineering precision, and sustainability performance. Several key challenges shaped the project.
Converting an Existing Building Through Retrofit
The primary objective of the redevelopment was to upgrade the building through retrofit rather than demolition and reconstruction. This approach required engineers and contractors to work within the constraints of the existing structural framework while achieving modern standards of performance, aesthetics, and functionality. Retrofitting a building originally designed over twenty years earlier presented numerous technical constraints. Structural tolerances, available installation space, and existing façade interfaces all required careful evaluation before new systems could be introduced.
Delivering a High-Performance Atrium Façade
A major architectural feature of the redevelopment was the central atrium space, which required a floor-to-ceiling curtain wall system capable of delivering both visual impact and high thermal performance. Unlike typical curtain wall installations, the atrium environment limited the available space for installation and structural support. These constraints made it impossible to install a conventional unitised façade system. Instead, the project demanded an alternative curtain wall approach that could be installed within tight structural tolerances while maintaining structural integrity and long-term durability.
Handling Complex Timber Curtain Wall Construction
The façade design specified a Raico timber curtain wall system, chosen for its strong thermal performance, low-carbon characteristics, and natural aesthetic qualities. While timber curtain wall systems offer environmental advantages over traditional aluminium alternatives, they also introduce significant construction challenges. Timber elements are heavier and more delicate than comparable aluminium systems, and finished surfaces are more difficult to repair once installed. In addition, the curtain wall sections used in the atrium covered a larger surface area than typical façade installations. This increased both the complexity of handling the materials and the precision required during installation.
Integrating Acoustic & Architectural Elements
Beyond the curtain wall system itself, the façade design incorporated Gustafs acoustic timber louvre panels, glazing, and a series of projecting workspace pods positioned within the atrium elevations. These elements needed to be integrated within the curtain wall framework while maintaining both structural performance and architectural coherence. Each component required precise coordination to ensure that visual alignment, acoustic performance, and structural integrity were maintained throughout the installation.
Structura’s Solution
To overcome the project’s technical and logistical challenges, Structura developed a façade engineering strategy that combined off-site fabrication, precision installation methods, and careful material handling. The approach focused on delivering high levels of architectural quality while maintaining strict engineering standards.
Stick-Built Timber Curtain Wall Installation
Due to the spatial constraints of the atrium and the absence of sufficient structural support for a unitised façade system, Structura implemented a stick-built curtain wall installation method. Under this approach, the timber curtain wall mullions and transoms were fabricated off-site in stick form before being transported to the project site for assembly. This allowed the components to be manufactured under controlled conditions, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of damage during fabrication.
Once on site, the timber framework was assembled progressively in sections. The installation team carefully positioned and fixed each element, gradually constructing the curtain wall system while ensuring alignment with the surrounding structure. Because the finished timber surfaces were highly sensitive to damage, the installation process required exceptional care throughout handling and positioning.
Off-Site Fabrication to Improve Efficiency
A significant portion of the façade components were fabricated off-site prior to delivery. This included the timber curtain wall elements as well as various structural and glazing components. Off-site fabrication offered several advantages.
Manufacturing the elements in controlled environments allowed tighter tolerances to be maintained and reduced the risk of weather-related delays during production. In addition, pre-fabrication helped streamline the on-site installation process by reducing the amount of assembly work required within the constrained atrium space.
Integration of Acoustic Timber Louvres
Alongside the curtain wall system, Structura installed Gustafs acoustic timber louvre panels across sections of the atrium elevations. These panels were carefully designed to enhance both the acoustic and visual performance of the space.
Positioned between glazing sections and the projecting workspace pods, the louvres create a layered façade composition that contributes to both sound management and architectural identity. The installation of these panels required precise alignment within the façade framework while maintaining consistent visual spacing across the elevations.
Implementing a Materials Passport System
Sustainability was a central focus across the entire project team, and Structura adopted a materials passport system as part of the construction process. This digital system records detailed information about all materials used within the building’s construction and renovation. Each component is logged and tracked, creating a database that allows building owners and operators to identify materials quickly during maintenance or refurbishment.
The materials passport system supports the broader goals of circular construction by making it easier to reuse or recycle materials at the end of their lifecycle. By improving traceability, the system helps reduce waste and supports lower emissions across the built environment.
Project Results
The completion of the Triton Square retrofit delivered a high-performance workspace while demonstrating the environmental and architectural benefits of sustainable refurbishment. The project achieved several significant outcomes.
Significant Carbon Reduction
One of the most measurable achievements of the retrofit strategy was the reduction in embodied carbon associated with the development. By refurbishing the existing building structure rather than replacing it entirely, the project avoided an estimated 40,000 tonnes of carbon emissions compared with constructing a new workplace building. This reduction highlights the growing importance of retrofit strategies in delivering lower-carbon development across the built environment.
Industry-Leading Sustainability Performance
The completed building achieved a BREEAM Outstanding sustainability rating, placing it among the highest-performing commercial developments in terms of environmental performance. The use of timber curtain walling, combined with the materials passport system and other sustainability initiatives across the project, contributed to this exceptional rating.
Faster Delivery Through Hybrid Fabrication
The project also benefited from the combination of off-site and on-site fabrication strategies. By manufacturing key components off-site while assembling the curtain wall system progressively on-site, the construction programme achieved significant efficiency improvements. Overall, the project was delivered approximately 30 percent faster than an equivalent new-build development, demonstrating how retrofit strategies can offer both environmental and commercial advantages.
Architectural & Engineering Achievement
Beyond the measurable sustainability benefits, the Triton Square redevelopment represents a significant engineering achievement. The project successfully delivered one of the most complex timber curtain wall installations in the United Kingdom, integrating multiple façade elements including glazing, acoustic louvres, and projecting workspace pods within a constrained atrium environment. The completed structure demonstrates how modern façade engineering can combine architectural ambition with sustainable construction principles.
Awards
SFE Façade Design and Engineering Awards 2026
Best use of Timber Shortlisted