YY London, formerly 30 South Colonnade, is a fantastic example of sustainable refurbishment in the heart of Canary Wharf. Originally designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and completed in 1991, the building has undergone a major transformation led by architects Buckley Gray Yeoman.The refurbishment, completed in 2023 (photographed earlier 2024), has increased the building’s size to 415,000 sq ft (38,555 sq m) across 17 floors, including a rooftop terrace. The project’s most notable feature is its new high-performance façade, featuring a distinctive Y-shaped design that inspired the building’s new name. Buckley Gray Yeoman’s design focuses on sustainability and occupant well-being. The refurbishment retained much of the existing structure, saving an estimated 10,620 tonnes of CO2e. The building now boasts BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certifications, with an all-electric strategy and on-floor terraces to enhance the working environment.
The project aimed to reduce the building’s overall energy demand by 62% through improved energy efficiency. Skanska carried out the structural refurbishment and mechanical, electrical, and public health fit-out, installing new systems including smart technology. The building features rooftop photovoltaic panels and an air source heat pump for heating, with waste heat redirection.
YY London serves as an exemplar for sustainable refurbishment in dense urban environments. It demonstrates how existing structures can be reimagined to meet modern sustainability standards and workplace needs without resorting to demolition. The project’s focus on wellbeing, with extensive outdoor spaces and natural light, reflects current trends in office design
