Case study: a retro-fit for the future

The iconic mid-century architecture of New Zealand House dominates the skyline in London’s Haymarket district. Completed in 1963, its design by renowned architect Robert Matthew paved the way for a broader acceptance of modernist and tall buildings. It was the first major office tower in central London, the first to be fully air conditioned and the first to be fully glazed on all sides.

However, once a beacon for modernity, New Zealand House is now in need of refurbishment. In 2021, after engaging with key stakeholders to shape our thinking on its future, we received planning permission to breathe new life into this iconic landmark and to refurbish the adjacent Royal Opera Arcade.

Sustainability lies at the heart of these plans and the complex retrofit of New Zealand House, now underway, is a flagship example of our low-carbon approach to developing our assets.

We will retain 90% of the structure and preserve 1,600 sq m of heritage finishes, respecting the listed status of both buildings. Over 1,300 sq m of marble will be reused in the refurbished development and over 7,000 items in the building will be reused in other schemes. All the steel for the project will be obtained from reused sources and the construction site will be powered by solar energy.

The glazing, an integral feature of the original design, will be replaced with a high-tech alternative that improves thermal performance, and we will install digital systems to monitor environmental performance accurately.

These measures will support our drive to achieve excellence in sustainability. We aim to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating and to be one of the first retrofit projects to target a NABERS five star Excellent accreditation.

The redevelopment also respects the historical significance of the site, which is a symbol of the close ties between New Zealand and the UK. New Zealand House is Grade II listed, in recognition of its architecture quality and influence, and was developed as the home of New Zealand’s High Commission in recognition of New Zealand’s efforts in the Second World War. The Grade I listed Royal Opera Arcade was London’s first covered shopping arcade.

Together with a new hospitality offering, this flagship project will transform the wider Haymarket district into a destination that meets the evolving needs of the New Zealand Government, businesses and the local community – with New Zealand House once again taking centre stage as a leading example of progressive design innovation. We’re breathing new life into a 1960s modernist landmark, through a 21st-century retrofit with sustainability and placemaking at its heart.