Situated in the lively Southwark district of London, 18 Blackfriars Road is an innovative development by Hines that re-envisions urban living. Designed by Foster + Partners, this project offers a unique mixed-use setting, incorporating residential, office, and cultural spaces. The three towers, rising from a shared podium, will stand at 45, 40, and 22 stories tall. The tallest tower, reaching 199.28 meters, will host premium office spaces, while the two residential buildings will feature over 400 homes, 40% of which are designated as affordable housing.
Combining sustainability with innovation, the design avoids glass façades, instead utilizing color and terraces to enhance natural light and outdoor spaces. Each apartment promises exceptional comfort and modern design, fostering community among residents. The office spaces are tailored to meet contemporary workplace needs, featuring 20,000 sq feet of affordable workspace for local and socially responsible enterprises.
A central rotunda will provide an affordable, interactive space for work and socialization, hosting cultural events and performances, and connecting to Hatters Yard—a vibrant hub with food stalls, public art, and a children's play area. The development prioritizes sustainability, targeting a 20-30% reduction in embodied carbon compared to GLA benchmarks, and employs a zero-carbon heating and cooling system. This approach, utilizing mainly ground source technology, aims for a net-zero site, enhanced by on-site solar energy solutions.
This project not only safeguards health and well-being but also fosters a harmonious living and working environment. Once home to the Paper Moon Public House and Sainsbury's corporate office for over a century, 18 Blackfriars Road marks a new chapter in the area's storied history.