JLL 20 Water Street Office, London

Winner of the edie award 2023 ‘Circular Economy Innovation of the Year’, the JLL 20 Water Street office doesn’t miss the mark when it comes to sustainability. Additionally, JLL wanted to adapt to the increase of hybrid and remote working by creating a workspace that would promote the primary reasons why someone comes into the offices: for human contact, collaboration, and socialisation with others. The goal was to create more open areas, shared desks and collaborative spaces for employees and visitors, aiming to provide an experience that simply could not be replicated at home or through virtual meetings.

The new lease between JLL and Canary Wharf Group (CWG) included a green lease clause, aiming to be more sustainable by procuring renewable energy and delivering exceptional certificates with BREEAM, WELL and SKA at 20 Water Street. The offices are highly energy efficient, focusing on minimising waste and increasing recycling efforts. During the project’s construction phase, it was ensured that zero waste went to landfill, carbon tracking, chain of custody certification, VOC monitoring, and Considerate Constructors certification.

SAS International were selected for this project due to a successful relationship with TP Bennett architects and their trust in SAS products: acoustic ceilings, and creative designs.

SAS500 Baffles can be found throughout the reception, conference, and workspace areas, providing exceptional acoustic performance that compliments the open-soffit ceilings. TP Bennett have utilized the true flexibility of this system by arranging the baffles in a semi-circular layout above reception areas in varying lengths to create a visually striking acoustic ceiling solution. This layout acts as a subtle way-finding solution by drawing your eye to the reception area, making it an ideal feature in any busy workspace or office. Similarly, SAS500 can be seen arranged in a herringbone pattern above breakout areas adjacent to the canteen, delivering dramatic angular visuals and heightened acoustic performance.

SAS330 was installed in meeting rooms and breakout desk areas, providing an equal measure of acoustic performance and beautiful design. Recognised for its flexibility and integration capabilities, SAS330 was specified to incorporate bespoke suspended lighting frames throughout the meeting room areas.

SAS810 Tricell clearly demarcates the collaboration areas, finished in grey beige to complement the natural, earthy colour palette that continues throughout the building. The triangular geometry of this system introduces an intriguing layer of depth to the space while providing quality airflow for employees and clients to collaborate.

BREEAM has rated 20 Water Street as ‘Outstanding’ a leading sustainability assessment method, making it one of the most sustainable buildings seen in the UK, in addition to achieving WELL Platinum, SKA Gold and BREEAM Excellent. Furthermore, this project has helped JLL meet their Net Zero Carbon 2025 milestone target.

This project was completed in Q2 2023.