{"id":3078,"date":"2025-04-26T14:23:31","date_gmt":"2025-04-26T13:23:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/?p=3078"},"modified":"2025-06-04T11:32:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T10:32:44","slug":"one-centenary-way-a-commercial-building-with-an-eco-friendly-focus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/eternal-3078-one-centenary-way-a-commercial-building-with-an-eco-friendly-focus","title":{"rendered":"One Centenary Way: A Commercial Building with an Eco-Friendly Focus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Birmingham&#8217;s skyline is rapidly changing, and <strong>sustainability is a key criterion for new projects<\/strong>. Using a framework of environmental checks and balances, city planners and council members are ensuring that architectural ambitions align with a minimal long-term planetary impact. Indeed, these &#8220;green&#8221; buildings could be crucial in helping Birmingham City Council achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. For more on recent green building initiatives in the city, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\">birminghamname.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0548804b14e\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0548804b14e\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/eternal-3078-one-centenary-way-a-commercial-building-with-an-eco-friendly-focus\/#One_Centenary_Way\" >One Centenary Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/eternal-3078-one-centenary-way-a-commercial-building-with-an-eco-friendly-focus\/#The_Buildings_Green_Credentials\" >The Building&#8217;s Green Credentials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/eternal-3078-one-centenary-way-a-commercial-building-with-an-eco-friendly-focus\/#Dedicated_Cycle_Hub\" >Dedicated Cycle Hub<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/eternal-3078-one-centenary-way-a-commercial-building-with-an-eco-friendly-focus\/#Ambitious_Plans\" >Ambitious Plans<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"One_Centenary_Way\"><\/span>One Centenary Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"741\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3079\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-6.png 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-6-300x139.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-6-768x356.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-6-1536x711.png 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-6-696x322.png 696w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-6-1068x495.png 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A cornerstone of the Paradise redevelopment, One Centenary Way is known for its distinctive yet highly efficient structural solution to navigate complex underground constraints, including the A38 Queensway tunnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unable to rely on a traditional load-bearing wall, the new building&#8217;s facade achieves structural stability through a Vierendeel exoskeleton. But in any case, One Centenary Way has become more than just another building in the Paradise redevelopment; it&#8217;s a landmark and an exceptionally eco-friendly commercial space in the heart of Birmingham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider this: One Centenary Way, designed by Birmingham-based Howells with input from Arup, is a 223-foot-tall, 13-story commercial building spanning 280,000 square feet, featuring a bar and restaurant on its ground floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another unique feature relates to its construction. The building&#8217;s steel exoskeleton allows it to span the A38 Queensway tunnel \u2013 a unique engineering feat dictated by its location. Crucially, the highway running directly beneath the site remained operational throughout the construction period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Completed in 2023 by contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, the building anchors the Paradise development, overlooking Centenary Square and Broad Street. Above all, <strong>One Centenary Way is a remarkable addition to Birmingham&#8217;s ever-evolving cityscape<\/strong>, delighting locals and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The building&#8217;s basement houses Birmingham&#8217;s first dedicated cycle hub, with space for 400 bicycles, showers, storage, and maintenance facilities, all accessible to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Buildings_Green_Credentials\"><\/span>The Building&#8217;s Green Credentials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"736\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3082\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-7.png 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-7-300x138.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-7-768x353.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-7-1536x707.png 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-7-696x320.png 696w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-7-1068x491.png 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, for the main event: sustainability. Environmental consulting firm Arup has relocated its Midlands team \u2013 a team of 1,000 employees, no less \u2013 into this building. In early 2024, global banking group Goldman Sachs and real estate consultants JLL joined them. Upon completion, only one and a half floors remained available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to its all-electric heating, hot water system, and SMART access to services, information, and facilities, One Centenary Way is an exceptionally environmentally friendly space, helping Birmingham move towards its net-zero carbon goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, <strong>maximizing sustainability and reducing embodied carbon were central to the design process.<\/strong> This, in turn, led to a structural design that minimizes concrete foundations and superstructure, and incorporates fully recyclable steel manufactured in the UK by BHC Steel using hydropower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By following this eco-conscious manufacturing route from factory to site and switching to rolled steel sections, this approach saved 900 tons of CO2 and reduced the building&#8217;s overall carbon footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Acting like a giant bridge, sixteen single-story steel trusses transfer the building&#8217;s load to either side of the tunnel, supporting a podium slab upon which the shear-resistant exoskeleton sits. In close collaboration with Arup engineers, a structure was developed that addresses the site&#8217;s logistical challenges, to put it in architectural terms, while also celebrating Birmingham&#8217;s metalworking heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An 8-meter (approximately 26-foot) lantern atop the building, built into the facade&#8217;s structural grid, features a dynamic 360-degree light display visible for miles. This lantern bestows a stunning, colorful crown upon Birmingham&#8217;s skyline. The lantern acts like a celestial beacon, making a statement with an important feature: its light display capable of shining in over a million different colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The building&#8217;s design also utilizes a column-minimized 12&#215;9 meter grid, mirrored by facades composed around another 3-meter grid that has a strong horizontal emphasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regarding the interiors, in line with the structurally expressive exterior, the internal spaces of One Centenary Way feature exposed steel frames complemented by the materiality of natural textures and custom-made fittings. The all-electric scheme includes smart building technology that gathers real-time data on energy consumption and facility usage, enabling efficient use of electricity, water, and other amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Floor plates of up to 22,500 square feet and a stunning twelfth-floor terrace overlooking Centenary Square make the building a significant new landmark for the city, positively impacting the urban landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dedicated_Cycle_Hub\"><\/span>Dedicated Cycle Hub<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1142\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-8.png 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-8-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-8-768x548.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-8-1536x1096.png 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-8-696x497.png 696w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-8-1068x762.png 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The space between One Centenary Way&#8217;s giant transfer trusses has been ingeniously utilized to create an accessible cycle hub for the entire complex. Achieving this by occupying a space that eloquently showcases the building&#8217;s structural audacity, and doing so in vibrant colors, was a straightforward design choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In total, this is Birmingham&#8217;s first major cycle hub, capable of accommodating up to 400 bicycles. Beyond secure, covered parking, it offers a new level of convenience for cyclists, including a service center for maintenance and bike rentals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This facility represents an effective approach to creating a vibrant new amenity in the heart of Birmingham. <strong>One Centenary Way is already demonstrating its potential to become a city landmark and a gateway to its future development.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ambitious_Plans\"><\/span>Ambitious Plans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"990\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-9.png 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-9-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-9-768x475.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-9-1536x950.png 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-9-696x431.png 696w, https:\/\/cdn.birminghamname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/06\/image-9-1068x661.png 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>But One Centenary Way isn&#8217;t the last such building for Birmingham. Also in 2023, planning permission was granted for a new 17-story, 152-bedroom hotel on the corner of Paradise Street, as well as a new public square and several new pedestrian streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nearly 2 million square foot site will eventually feature up to ten flagship, eco-friendly buildings offering offices, shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, a high-quality hotel, and Octagon, the world&#8217;s first 49-story pure octagonal residential tower, all set within 17 acres in the city center.&lt;\/p<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The entire Paradise redevelopment is being delivered through Paradise Circus Limited Partnership, a private-public joint venture with Birmingham City Council. Private sector funding is managed by international business Federated Hermes, in partnership with the Investment Board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s worth noting that <strong>construction projects are deemed successful if they can minimize CO2 emissions throughout all phases of construction and daily operation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paradisebirmingham.co.uk\/2023\/10\/19\/birminghams-most-sustainable-new-office-building-launches\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.paradisebirmingham.co.uk\/2023\/10\/19\/birminghams-most-sustainable-new-office-building-launches\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birminghammail.co.uk\/news\/midlands-news\/five-most-sustainable-environmentally-friendly-19173620\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.birminghammail.co.uk\/news\/midlands-news\/five-most-sustainable-environmentally-friendly-19173620<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.howells.uk\/projects\/one-centenary-way\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.howells.uk\/projects\/one-centenary-way<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Birmingham&#8217;s skyline is rapidly changing, and sustainability is a key criterion for new projects. Using a framework of environmental checks and balances, city planners and council members are ensuring that architectural ambitions align with a minimal long-term planetary impact. Indeed, these &#8220;green&#8221; buildings could be crucial in helping Birmingham City Council achieve its goal of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":457,"featured_media":3033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[334],"tags":[1869,1872,1874,1873,1871,1867,1866,1870,1868,1875],"motype":[325],"moformat":[18],"moimportance":[30,33],"class_list":{"0":"post-3078","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-engineering-solutions","8":"tag-a38-queensway-tunnel","9":"tag-birmingham-development","10":"tag-birmingham-urban-regeneration","11":"tag-eco-friendly-commercial","12":"tag-green-building-birmingham","13":"tag-net-zero-carbon-goal","14":"tag-one-centenary-way","15":"tag-paradise-birmingham","16":"tag-sustainable-architecture","17":"tag-vierendeel-exoskeleton","18":"motype-eternal","19":"moformat-vlasna","20":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","21":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3078","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/457"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3078"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3078\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3091,"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3078\/revisions\/3091"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3078"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3078"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3078"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=3078"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=3078"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birminghamname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=3078"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}