HUB Victoria: high-tech revisited – ADC

The new Grade A office building, known as ‘Sky HUB’ has its own dedicated entrance and circulation core. It offers flexibility (it is divisible for up to twelve tenants) and stunning panoramic views across London. Tenants will enjoy views over, and the use of, two large outdoor terraces at level six – one facing north and one facing south. Landscape design by BBUK adds year round colour and movement featuring native and meadow plants that promote wildlife. Continuing the planting scheme at ground level all the way up to the roof, including bird boxes, has significantly improved the ecological value of the site.

Accessibility, legibility, and daylight levels within the public walkway along Buckingham Palace Road have been transformed by the removal of the glazed canopy and new hard and soft landscaping. The project retains the existing stone screen which provides an effective barrier to the busy traffic along Buckingham Palace Road, but newly enlarged retail units, previously hidden behind the stone colonnade, are now exposed, introducing activity and vibrancy at street level.

McLaren led the construction works over a 42 month period, with the commercial floors at 123 Buckingham Palace Road remaining occupied throughout, creating technical complexity unusual for a project of this size. A comprehensive Construction Management Plan was developed and agreed on by all parties prior to starting work.

Sustainable design principles were employed, with the all-electric Sky HUB achieving BREEAM Excellent and expected emissions 61% below the London Plan’s baseline. A new brown roof has been designed to reduce urban heating, and photovoltaic panels introduced to produce over 27,000kWh/yr, reducing the building’s overall reliance on the grid. Prefabrication, waste reduction, water and energy saving technologies have been implemented throughout the project.