The Turing Building is a next-generation commercial office building for Lendlease, sited at a key gateway point within the pioneering new International Quarter London (IQL) in East London. The ambition was to create an exemplary commercial building to attract tenants, inspire collaboration and support new ways of working while exploring the notion that the spaces in between are just as important as the buildings themselves.
Part of a collection
The Turing Building is a key part of the emerging IQL district, standing at the key pedestrian gateway into IQL, Careful attention was paid to the building's articulation, scale, and depth was extremely important to achieving a form that is both distinct and memorable, but also harmonious with its neighbours in IQL, Vertical ‘cuts’ and gasket lines are carved out of the massing to create a bold and robust form, echoing the site’s industrial railway heritage, as well as a visual indication of the different uses within the building - which include offices, a cinema, retail and an active and flexible lobby ( or 'third space'), while the building's stepped roofline creates a silhouette with variety and interest, adding to IQL's skyline and adhering to the overarching principles of IQL masterplan.
Outdoor terraces are also sculpted out of the building’s mass, offering great views across IQL and adding commercial value to the office floors, while also adding amenity external amenity to boost the wellbeing of tenants.
Flexibility and 'loose fit, long life'
The building is designed to be as flexible as possible. While it is predominantly commercial, it embodies ‘loose-fit, long life’ principles, meaning it can adapt and change over its lifetime. An efficient mix of low- and high-rise office floors is stacked above a two-storey podium containing an active and flexible lobby, retail and an integrated cinema ‘box’. The office floors are designed to allow for easy subdivision and are adaptable to suit a variety of arrangements and multiple tenants.
Third space
The ground floor podium and open public lobby are intended as a 'third space' - a loose and flexible space for a diverse range of uses, such as cafe spaces, impromptu meetings and programmed events. The Turing Building is the first building within IQL to incorporate a 'third space'; an innovative social space that adds value through multiple uses and for multiple audiences, extending the life of the building throughout the day and night and embedding it as an asset for a wider community. This flexible space also expands the building’s civic offer and encourages and attracts people to the building's spaces.
The podium is sculpted and stepped back to improve sight lines and connectivity to the surrounding public realm while locking into and enhancing key pedestrian thoroughfares. Including a 'third space' in the building's open public lobby creates a vibrant social hub at the base, generating activity and drawing people around and into the building.
Sustainability
The Turing Building is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, although ‘Outstanding’ is currently being achieved. A WELL ‘Gold’ rating is also targeted. A reduction in regulated carbon emissions of at least 35% beyond the applicable Part L is targeted – specifically, a 31.62% carbon reduction. The building has a low carbon façade – target a 31.62% reduction in carbon emissions beyond the applicable Part L. AFK collaborated with Scheldebouw (Permasteelisa Group) to develop an innovative and bespoke Closed Cavity Façade (CCF) system for the building, which was not only was critical in reaching the carbon reduction targets but also has a higher life expectancy than standard double glazed units.
IQL as a whole is served by district heating, and low-temperature hot water (LTHW) will be supplied to the building via a plate heat exchanger. IQL also benefits from a district cooling system. The scheme is also targeting a Wiredscore of Platinum, which ensures the building is recognised as offering the highest benchmark of best-in-class digital connectivity.
As of March 2024, the Turing Building is nearing completion. The final works on internal finishes and details remain, but the building's textures and clear materiality already look amazing. We are excited for the building to launch this summer and bring life to this part of Stratford Cross through the combination of flexible spaces, retail, and cinemas. Below are photographs of the works from a site visit in early March.
