Barr Gazetas

Submission by Barr Gazetas.

Being a good ancestor

Practice

1. Does the practice have a clearly stated purpose aligned with the planetary emergency? We are looking for a bold ambition here, and a practice culture which recognises the need for long-term thinking. For example, a strong mission, a theory of change, or a sustainability roadmap.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. As a business, we recognize our responsibility to minimise our environmental impact in response to the climate emergency – both through our projects and our operations.

We have fully assessed our carbon footprint, committed to our Net Zero journey, and achieved B Corp Certification.

In the short term, we pledge to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46% by 2030 and to measure and reduce all Scope 3 emissions. Long term, we are committed to reaching Net Zero by 2050, targeting a 90% reduction in absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions from our 2022 baseline.

In 2024, we became B Corp Certified, earning the highest score of any UK architectural practice – demonstrating our dedication to putting purpose before profit.

2. Does the practice have a clear succession plan, which passes on ownership and protects the values and legacy of those who built and contributed to the practice? For example is the practice an employee owned trust.

Barr Gazetas became an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT) in November 2022. While the board of directors continues to oversee the company as before, the management team and senior staff will take on greater responsibilities in the coming years.

The appointment and resignation of directors will remain under the Board’s authority, ensuring the company is always run in the best interests of its employee-owners. In line with our EOT and B Corp commitments, we are dedicated to recruiting and promoting those who demonstrate the strongest ability to drive the business forward.

3. Does the practice share research and knowledge for the benefit of society and the wider world? For example, you regularly carry out post occupancy evaluation and share information with others.

We actively share research and knowledge to benefit society and the wider world. Each year, we participate in the London Festival of Architecture (LFA), hosting events that engage the public, share our expertise, and gather valuable feedback. Additionally, we regularly organise knowledge-sharing initiatives, such as a recent roundtable on inclusive design. This event brought together experts from various disciplines, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration. Insights from the discussion were compiled and published in a report, which we shared with peers and stakeholders to promote wider learning and action.

Project

1. Does the practice advocate for long-term thinking at the outset of projects? Do you initiate projects with long-term thinking and challenge the client on design life? Also, can the practice demonstrate that this approach has worked with a shorter or longer design life, or an innovative approach to financing or payback period?

As our work primarily focuses on refurbishment, we often deal with buildings that have already surpassed their intended design life. Our goal is to extend and enhance the longevity of these structures. For instance, our Grainhouse project involved heritage buildings dating back to 1861.

In all our interventions, we prioritise the use of high-quality, durable materials. At Grainhouse, we selected zinc cladding, which has a design life exceeding 100 years, ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability. Additionally, the project was financed through the Hines European Value Fund 2, which represents an innovative approach to securing long-term investment. This demonstrates our commitment to not only preserving and enhancing design life but also adopting forward-thinking financing strategies.

2. Do your projects take account of the future climate and the need for resilience? For example, do the projects demonstrate flexibility, design for adaptation, design for disassembly, non-deterministic solutions, or demountable structures.

Our projects prioritise adaptability, resilience, and sustainability to future-proof buildings against climate change. A prime example is Holbein Gardens, completed in 2023, one of London’s most sustainable office buildings. It features blue roofs for stormwater management and flood prevention, addressing the potential for wetter climates.

More broadly speaking, many of our projects incorporate passive solar shading to combat rising temperatures and introduce external green spaces, enhancing drought tolerance. Additionally, we install all-electric MEP systems across our projects to support renewable energy use.

Our in-house sustainability team drives our strategy, leading on carbon reduction, life cycle carbon analysis, and sustainable material specification.

For flexibility, we design steel-framed buildings with bolted connections for easy disassembly, and design adaptable interior spaces, such as the sliding-door meeting rooms at 6 St Andrew Street, allowing for diverse usage scenarios which can evolve with future demands.

3. Do the majority of your projects go beyond mitigating negatives and towards optimising positives? For example, are they meeting or exceeding the RIBA 2030 Challenge.

Our projects consistently go beyond mitigating harm by actively optimising environmental, social, and design outcomes. We specialise in retrofit, focusing on retaining and reusing existing structures and materials to minimise embodied carbon while enhancing buildings’ inherent qualities. Sustainability is embedded from the outset through project-specific review forms, ensuring early integration. We apply research-led tools, including sustainable design guides and materials databases, to inform every stage of design.

Most of our projects achieve BREEAM and WELL certification, with growing adoption of NABERS. Several exemplars align with the 2023 NLA Circular London guidelines, including:

  • Holbein Gardens – one of London’s most sustainable office buildings
  • Grainhouse – a heritage-led, low-carbon development
  • Fivefields – pioneering reuse of recycled materials

This approach reflects our commitment not just to meeting standards like RIBA 2030, but exceeding them.

Co-evolving with nature

Practice

1. Does the practice use biophilia within the office or regularly host meetings and retreats in natural settings? For example do you have extensive planting within the office or rely on natural patterns and imagery for stress relief or quiet areas.

Our office, which we completed the fit out for in 2022, is created a flexible workplace that encourages creativity and collaboration, and models sustainable practice and positive wellbeing. Our new studio is a place for people to feel nurtured and thrive.

We achieved the best air quality possible using low VOC organic paint, 100% recyclable filtering carpet, introduced over 200 plants, and introduced air purification through high efficiency heating and cooling units. We continuously monitor the air quality in the studio and have changed all cleaning products to be as natural as possible.

2. Can the practice share examples where it has considered nature in decision making? For example by having a nature proxy to encourage eco-centric decision making, using natural systems as inspiration for the company structure, recognising the seasonal nature of people’s capacity and workload or celebrating equinoxes and solstices together.

We actively incorporate nature into our decision-making processes. For example, we organise seasonal social events, such as an annual summer trip and a Christmas party, which celebrate the changing seasons.
In our projects, nature is deeply embedded in the design. We frequently specify natural materials and design with circular economy principles in mind, as well as integrate circadian lighting to align with natural rhythms. At Holbein Gardens, the curved external planting at street level was inspired by organic forms found in nature.
In the renovation of our own office, nature played a key role. The space features plenty of planting across all spaces, including floral arrangements, as well as a natural colour and material palette, and all-electric systems for heating, cooling, and lighting.

3. Is the practice supporting nature locally and nationally? For example, does the practice support local gardens, gardeners, planting programmes, rewilding programmes or advocate for changes in legislation to protect nature.

We actively support nature both locally and nationally. As a practice, we calculate our carbon footprint annually and offset 110% of it through schemes that support UK-based forestry and rewilding programmes.
Locally, we volunteer regularly–for example, taking part in TCV days at Ecologi Park–and we advocate for nature-based solutions through our project work. In Westminster, where many of our projects are based, we’ve delivered multiple roof gardens featuring edible planting and native species, contributing to biodiversity and urban greening as part of the Wild West End initiative.

Project

1. Can the practice demonstrate projects which strive to match the performance of a mature ecosystem? As a minimum this would mean achieving biodiversity net gain.

We strive to introduce biodiverse planting and habitat creation across all our projects. Here are a few examples:

  • At 6 St Andrew Street, we delivered 150 sqm of new greening, including green roofs, using the Urban Greening Factor as a planning tool.
  • At 15 Bonhill Street, we created a 200 sqm vertical park, extensive green roofs, and Islington’s first office green wall.
  • Holbein Gardens includes blue roofs and a comprehensive SUDS strategy, achieving an 11% net biodiversity gain and supporting habitats for bats and bees.

Many of our projects are for clients who are partners of Wild West End. These projects contribute to a wider ecological network across London’s West End – supporting pollinators and wildlife while reconnecting people with nature.

2. Is the practice working on material stewardship? For example, evidence could be shown through repeated use of low carbon materials, extensive material libraries and research or publications supporting responsible use of materials and elimination of waste.

We’re committed to material stewardship across all stages of our projects, from structural elements to finishes. We prioritise the retention and reuse of materials, for example. at 6 St Andrew Street recycled steelwork was used for the extension elements. And at Holbein gardens, six tonnes of CO2 was saved by the reuse of existing steel. By conducting pre-demolition audits and collaborating with strip-out contractors, we retain as much of the existing material as possible and minimise waste on site.

When new materials are needed, we specify them responsibly – guided by our in-house Sustainable Materials Policy. This policy supports our alignment with RIBA 2030 targets and net-zero ambitions. Our Sustainable and Innovative Materials Database further supports this, tracking emerging trends and capturing innovations in sustainable specification and circular economy practices. We are also actively exploring the use of material passports on live projects to enhance traceability and long-term reuse.

3. Do the majority of projects demonstrate the use of biologically-inspired approaches such as Bioregionalism, Biophilia, Biomimicry, Ecomimicry (also referred to as Ecosystems Thinking, Industrial Ecology or Industrial Symbiosis) or BioTRIZ?

Biophilia is integrated into all our projects. We consistently incorporate features such as greenery, natural light and natural materials to create healthier, more responsive environments. Examples include vertical gardens, carefully selected planting and circadian lighting.

In addition, our design thinking aligns with principles of ecosystems thinking and circularity, taking cues from natural systems in how we manage materials and energy across a building’s life cycle. This includes adaptive reuse, minimising waste, and enhancing local biodiversity.

Creating a just space for people

Practice

1. Does the practice have a progressive EDI policy and can you evidence many forms of diversity, which are welcomed and acknowledged, within the practice?

We value individuals for their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Our EDI policy applies to every stage of employment, from recruitment and training to career development and promotion.

  • We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment that recognises and supports neurodiversity. This includes providing appropriate workplace adjustments and support for neurodivergent employees to ensure they can thrive.
  • Diversity in all its forms is not only welcomed but is seen as essential to our culture

2. Does the practice operate a no overtime culture, meet the living wage consistently, and stipulate a fair salary ratio between staff of all levels?

  • Management have a responsibility to monitor works hours to ensure staff aren’t overworking.
  • Barr Gazetas pay all our staff the London Living Wage (higher than what we’re required to pay by law).
  • Our high to low pay ratio is low. Our highest compensated individual is paid 6-10x more than our lowest paid full-time worker.

3. Does the practice support charities, community groups, social enterprises, action groups and others through pro-bono work, charitable giving or in-kind donations?

We actively support charities and community groups through fundraising, pro bono work, and in-kind donations. Our team regularly organises in-office fundraising events like Bake Offs, as well as participating in larger events such as the JLL Triathlon. We also organise regular charity shoot days, such as our annual Birdshot Charity Shoot. Over the past five years, we’ve supported the following charities:

  • Shelter
  • Kandas
  • Muscular Dystrophy UK
  • UNICEF
  • Abakus
  • Imperial Health
  • Genie’s Wish
  • Save the Children
  • LandAid
  • Human Race Ltd
  • Samaritans
  • LSA – London School of Architecture
  • The London Society

We have a longstanding relationship with Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK), supporting them through multiple events including their annual shoot day and the Microscope Ball.
Examples of our pro bono work include a current project for a not-for-profit community hairdresser in Hackney and a previous project for the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering.

4. Does the practice publicly refuse to work with certain clients, suppliers or organisations on ethical grounds?

We only work with clients whose values align with our own, and we would decline opportunities that conflict with our ethical standards. While such refusals are handled privately and professionally, our stance is clear. As a certified B Corp, we are publicly committed to upholding high ethical and environmental standards in all our work and relationships. This certification reinforces our dedication to partnering only with organisations that share our values around sustainability, social impact, and responsible business practices.

Project

1. Do the projects demonstrate deep engagement with local stakeholders and end users? For example, is there evidence that your project engagement goes beyond consultation towards co-design?

We engage with local stakeholders throughout the planning process, and several projects have gone beyond consultation towards genuine co-design. A key example is our work at Greenwich Market, where we collaborated closely with market traders to understand their needs and priorities. Their input directly influenced the design outcome, ensuring the space supported their day-to-day operations and preserved the market’s character.

2. Do your projects create connected and resilient places which positively contribute to their neighbourhoods and allow equality of access? For example, do your projects create economic opportunity, retain value locally and generate social value?

Our schemes often support regeneration through land-use diversification and improved public connectivity. We regularly deliver public realm improvements–such as at Grainhouse, Greenwich Market, Holbein Gardens, and Quadrant Arcade–enhancing community spaces and encouraging social interaction. By incorporating active ground-floor uses and retail frontages, we help generate local economic opportunities and support vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhoods.
We promote active travel through the integration of end-of-trip (EOT) facilities and enhanced pedestrian and cycle access across the vast majority of our projects.

We also prioritise inclusive design and always seek to maximise accessibility, ensuring spaces are welcoming and usable for all. Our Fivefields project is a standout example of this.

3. Do the majority of your projects promote equity in society, and consider all people, not only the building inhabitants? For example, do your projects show due regard for workers within the supply chain and take active steps to avoid modern slavery?

As a B Corp certified practice, we are committed to promoting equity in society across all aspects of our work. We have a Modern Slavery Statement in place and uphold ethical standards throughout our supply chain.
Within the constraints of our specialism in the commercial sector, our projects often offer something back to the public realm, as well as being designed with neurodiversity, accessibility, and social value in mind. Also, with a strong focus on contextual sensitivity and aesthetic quality, our work often forms part of broader regeneration efforts, creating healthy, welcoming environments that give back to their surroundings
One example is Watchtower House, a later-living scheme which is designed to provide flexible housing options for an ageing population. Another key example is Fivefields – a flexible, impact-driven workspace for charities and social value organisations designed with accessibility, neurodiversity and sustainability at its core.

 

Scroll to Top