Project
76 Southbank
Product
Radmat Permaquick PQ6100
Size (M2)
11,000 m²
Contractor
Lindner Prater Ltd
Winner
LRWA Awards 2026 - Sustainability Project of the Year
- The Background
76 Southbank is a pioneering Grade II-listed refurbishment located on the banks of the Thames, featured on the front cover of Building magazine. The project, led by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), demonstrates a sensitive yet bold approach to transforming a Brutalist icon for the 21st century. Originally designed by Denys Lasdun in 1983 as the IBM building, the redevelopment has converted the structure into 11,000 m² of flexible, sustainable office space, incorporating 4,400 m² of terraces, podiums, and landscaped areas while respecting the building’s heritage.
Sustainability is central to the project. Over 80% of the original concrete frame was retained, reducing embodied carbon of <435 kg CO₂e/m² and aligning with LETI/RIBA 2030 low upfront carbon ambitions. The building operates entirely on renewable energy via air-source heat pumps and a biosolar roof, targeting 5-star NABERS, BREEAM Outstanding, and EPC A. A biodiversity net gain of over 200% compared to the previous structure has been achieved through landscaped terraces, tree planting, and the integration of biodiverse roof systems.
76 Southbank is also a cultural and commercial hub, offering six galleries and theatres, 50 bars and restaurants, and attracting approximately 30 million visitors annually.
As a specialist subcontractor, we were appointed by Multiplex to deliver a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, biosolar roofing and package. Our scope encompassed the full and complex buried hot-applied waterproofing works using Radmat’s PermaQuik system, which provides a fully bonded, monolithic membrane ensuring superior durability and watertight performance with a BBA-certified, 40-year design life and BES 6001 responsible sourcing certification. Advanced insulation systems, including high-performance XPS were integrated to meet stringent thermal targets and support the building’s all-electric operation.
The blue roof system was incorporated to manage stormwater retention for up to 25 hours, forming a key component of the SuDS strategy, while biodiverse roofs and landscaped terraces improved ecological performance and urban amenity.
- The Challenge
76 Southbank presented a unique combination of heritage sensitivity, sustainability targets, and complex multi-level roofing, requiring a highly coordinated approach to deliver both functional and visually striking spaces. The Grade II-listed structure, a landmark Brutalist building on the South Bank, demanded careful preservation of its architectural integrity, particularly sightlines to St. Paul’s Cathedral, while integrating modern, energy-efficient solutions such as biosolar PV panels, biodiverse green roofs, and a blue roof water management system.
Challenges included:
- Heritage sensitivity and preservation of sightlines and architectural character
- Multi-level roof complexity, including coordination of various finishes, interfaces, and restricted access/logistics
- Adoption and innovation of sustainable initiatives, such as low-carbon construction, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing
- Integration of biodiverse and blue roof systems to achieve ambitious sustainability targets
- Safe access, material handling, and storage in a busy, constrained central London site
- Stormwater and water management without affecting structural integrity
- Complex operational planning and sequencing to maintain program and quality while coordinating multiple trades
- The Solution
- Retention of over 80% of the structure, reducing embodied carbon and maximizing reuse of materials
- Fully electric operation with renewable energy (air-source heat pumps, biosolar roof)
- Use of Radmat PermaQuik hot-melt waterproofing for a seamless, durable, low-carbon membrane
- Integration of blue roof attenuation crates and flow restrictors for stormwater management and SuDS compliance
- Biodiverse roof build-ups and planting zones to increase ecological habitat and achieve 200%+ biodiversity net gain
- Responsible sourcing and circular economy practices: off-site fabrication, reclaimed steel, pallet return schemes, zero waste to landfill target, and packaging melted into the process
- Smart building technologies, real-time monitoring, and app-based management for efficiency and user experience
- Safety and access systems, including Mansafe systems, temporary platforms, and fire-retardant storage solutions
- Close collaboration with design and client teams, early engagement, and regular coordination meetings
- Achievement of BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A, and 5-star NABERS targets
- All work delivered in line with Supply Chain Sustainability School and ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards
- Gallery
