Headquarters of Grant Thornton
In a groundbreaking move, Grant Thornton UK has moved into their new headquarters at 8 Finsbury Square, London, designed by HLW. The office space, a testament to the company's commitment to sustainability, reflects their values and supports employee wellbeing.
HLW's circular design principles for this project focused on carbon reduction, reuse of materials, and use of low-impact materials. These principles collectively contributed to a highly sustainable, low-carbon, circular approach in the design of Grant Thornton's London office.
One of the key strategies was the reuse of existing furniture and flooring. Over 1,700 items of furniture were reused in the new headquarters, accounting for a 38% carbon saving. A prime example of this approach is the barista bar, which was dismantled, transported, and reassembled in the new office to avoid new construction waste. Materials that could not be retained were redistributed via local charity Waste to Wonder, diverting all construction and demolition waste from landfill.
When new materials were necessary, HLW prioritized those with low global warming potential. The office interior incorporates innovative materials such as cork flooring, worktops made with 65% UK-sourced waste wood content (Foresso), and furniture manufactured from spent coffee grounds by sustainable maker Mater.
HLW's in-house sustainability consultancy, BEYOND, worked closely with the client to develop bespoke guidelines for the project. Life Cycle Assessments informed all major decisions, ensuring that the design aligned with Grant Thornton’s progressive property strategy.
The office design includes a variety of working environments, including quiet focus rooms and communal tea points. There's also a suite of spaces for reflection, relaxation, wudu foot bath, and multi-faith prayer rooms. An eighth-floor terrace provides views of the city and outdoor respite for staff.
Shelley Quinn, senior designer at HLW, described the project as a successful partnership between designer and client. Richard Jamison, Head of Property and Procurement at Grant Thornton UK, echoed this sentiment, stating that the office space reflects the company's values and supports employee wellbeing.
This office project is considered a bold step forward for both Grant Thornton and the industry. By avoiding the emission of 1,336 tonnes of CO₂—the equivalent of 2,265 flights from New York to London—the design has set a new standard for sustainable office spaces. The circular design principles applied by HLW in this project are a shining example of how businesses can make a positive impact on the environment while creating functional and aesthetically pleasing workspaces.
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