Reaching new heights on the South Bank

• Enhanced the London skyline with iconic architecture.  
• Committed to high sustainability standards, ensuring energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, achieving BREEAM Excellent rating.  
• Boosted local economy and provided skill development opportunities, creating 66 local jobs and 7 apprenticeships. 

240 Blackfriars is an architecturally striking 19-storey tower offering modern offices with fantastic river views. Despite the economic downturn, the client invested in this development, which was completed in 2014. The building is home to prestigious tenants such as UBM (publisher of Building magazine), Lonely Planet Publications, and law firm Boodle Hatfield. Designed to achieve the highest environmental standards, the project aimed for BREEAM 2011 standards, surpassing the initial BREEAM 2008 target. 

The decision to increase the building's height from 14 to 19 storeys and to meet higher environmental standards challenged the team to innovate. This included clever use of mechanical systems design and modifications to the glazing, ensuring no concept was left unchallenged. 

At the time, 240 Blackfriars pushed the boundaries of BIM (Building Information Modelling), enhancing collaboration, programme certainty, assured delivery, and risk reduction. A progressive strategy engaged the entire team in using BIM for various elements, including the structure, cladding, M&E, and fit-out. 

BIM allowed the team to rehearse the construction in a virtual environment, validate the programme, and ensure safe delivery. Subcontractors could visualize the building sequence, providing site operatives with a better understanding and ownership of their roles in the construction process.