Scaling up our workplace

SOM’s London office occupies a floor of the SOM-designed Broadgate Tower, the pinnacle of the Broadgate Estate on the easternmost edge of the City of London. Based in the building since 2014, our London studio moved to a new floor in 2024 to accommodate our growing team. The 1,200 square-meter fit-out is designed to foster collaboration, offering a variety of work settings while also demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. 

By embracing a circular economy approach and applying our Whole Life Carbon Accounting methodology, the design team achieved a 28 percent reduction in embodied carbon emissions, while delivering 12 percent cost savings—proving that sustainability and economy can go hand in hand.

Embracing a circular economy approach

Moving two floors up within the same building meant that our team could easily reuse existing materials, furniture and fittings from our former studio. Having introduced softer seating configurations during the pandemic, we were able to reuse ninety-four per cent of the furniture in our new space. Where new furniture or fittings were required, we carefully sourced FSC-certified furniture and all new joinery was built with zero-added-formaldehyde MDF. Where fittings, furnishings or equipment were no longer required, we donated these to local schools, upcycling schemes, and charitable organisations. Nothing went to landfill.

Optimizing carbon, cost, and design

At the start of the project, we conducted a detailed material quantity assessment using the project’s Revit model to establish a baseline carbon budget. This provided a clear understanding of the materials’ impact and allowed us to identify key areas for reduction. Carbon reduction isn’t just about choosing the lowest-carbon option—it’s about aligning sustainability, cost-effectiveness and aesthetic aspirations.

Through a rigorous and iterative design process,  we worked hand-in-hand with contractors and manufacturers to explore material alternatives that are both lower-carbon and cost-efficient. A key aspect of our approach was direct collaboration with material suppliers and manufacturers. Instead of simply selecting materials from a range of existing low-carbon options, we worked closely with industry partners to develop bespoke solutions that aligned with our sustainability goals without inflating costs.

Our initial carpet choice, selected for aesthetics and durability, was found to have a high embodied carbon impact. By partnering with manufacturers, we identified an alternative that reduced emissions by 79 percent, while also maintaining design integrity and durability—at a lower cost. We transitioned from terrazzo slab to resin flooring, achieving a 54 percent carbon reduction and significant cost savings. For worktops, instead of Corian, we selected a durable laminate finish, reducing embodied carbon by 42 percent. The choice of no-added-formaldehyde MDF lowered carbon emissions by 15 percent while avoiding adverse impacts to indoor air quality.

A model for sustainable office fit-outs

The cumulative environmental impact of office retrofits is substantial, and the need for industry-scale transformation is clear. In London alone, approximately 27 million square meters of built office stock gets fitted out on a seven-to-ten year cycle. Our London studio fit-out offers a replicable model for a more sustainable approach to office refurbishments.

Beyond the cost and carbon savings, as part of our broader commitment to sustainability and wellbeing, we are also targeting LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certifications for this project. By prioritising low-carbon materials, optimising design for efficiency and embedding sustainability at every stage, we have created a workspace that not only supports wellbeing, but also contributes to shifting our industry towards responsible, low-impact building practices.