BAM has completed The Rowe office development for Frasers Property in Aldgate.

The 162,000 sq ft of office space with 17,000 sq ft of outdoor terraces is a redevelopment of the old London Metropolitan University’s (LMU) School of Art, Architecture, and Design.

Designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), six new glass, steel, and concrete floors were added to the existing building. The 1960s concrete façade has been retained, reducing the carbon emissions for the construction process and uniting the old and the new.

The Rowe is running on 100% renewable electricity and will provide a 26% carbon emission reduction compared to a standard office building. 

The building will achieve a WELL ‘Platinum’ certification, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, SmartScore ‘Platinum’, and a WiredScore ‘Platinum’ for its exceptional connectivity.

The Rowe will include a public café, retail space, a landscaped rooftop terrace and adaptable amenities.

laria del Beato, CEO at Frasers Property UK, commented: “The Rowe is a landmark site for Frasers Property UK, and we strived to create a building that echoes and respects the history of the area, both in terms of community and art with The Rowe sitting opposite Whitechapel Gallery. 

“The Rowe rethinks communal spaces to encourage and support social interaction and greater wellbeing. As businesses embed agile working practices and seek to leverage the benefits of our cities and offices, we, as developers, need to be doing all we can to support them. That’s why we aim to develop high-quality office space while also creating a sense of place.”

Gavin Pantlin, BAM Construction Director, said: “This scheme has been a triumph for us, showcasing how early partnerships can deliver the best outcomes for clients and contractors.

“We have created a building that fits perfectly in the modern workplace while giving a nod to the site’s heritage with thoughtful use of colour and art. The technical complexities of The Rowe should not be overlooked either, as this is a very smart building.

“BAM is delighted that we’ve helped Frasers Property UK realise its first major incursion into the British urban office market. That makes it a fantastic experience for us all.”

Zoë Allen, art consultant and founder of Artistic Statements, added: “It’s so encouraging to see a developer embrace art, creating a truly impressive building like The Rowe that respects the local culture and history. Yinka and Paul are remarkable creative talents, and the intelligence, playfulness, and thought-provoking nature of their installations is a testament to this.”

Paul Monaghan, Executive Director of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, said: “The Rowe was originally an educational building and was important to the shared memory of the local community. This fed into the proposal to retain and extend the building, as we retained the original 1960s façade and glazing, whilst providing a transition between old and new with the newly constructed six additional floors sitting on top of the original six storeys. Retaining the facade reduced the embodied carbon in the construction.