Millennium Bridge House
Breathing new life into a 1980s building with expansive rooftop garden terraces.
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A Landmark Redevelopment on the Thames
Millennium Bridge House, also known as One Millennium Bridge, has undergone a radical refurbishment and extension on the north bank of the Thames in the City of London. The scheme has breathed new life into a 1980s building, retaining more than 60% of its original structure while delivering 244,362 sq. ft of modern office space, along with retail space, restaurants and expansive rooftop garden terraces.
Designed by Piercy & Co with landscape architecture by Andy Sturgeon Design, the project sets a new benchmark for sustainable reuse in the capital.
Prioritising Sustainability Through Retention
A “retain-first” approach was central to the redevelopment. By keeping 60–68% of the original structural frame, the project dramatically reduced embodied carbon compared with a full demolition and rebuild. This choice preserved the building’s urban presence while enabling its transformation into a greener, more vibrant space, fit for modern use.
The result is a sustainable landmark on the riverfront, combining heritage with innovation.
Terraces Designed for Wellbeing and Connection
One of the defining features of Millennium Bridge House is its outstanding roofscape, which delivers some of the best views in London. The 2,527 m² roof garden incorporates two key terrace zones:
- A 375 m² free-to-access public terrace, offering panoramic views across the Thames and Tate Modern.
- A 570 m² restaurant terrace, creating elevated spaces for social interaction, dining, and relaxation.
These terraces are more than architectural features. They connect people with nature, provide restorative green spaces in the heart of the City and contribute to occupier wellbeing.
Sustaining the Environment
Sustainability extends across the roofscape, which integrates green and blue roof systems. The green roofs are planted with native and non-native species to promote biodiversity, enhance ecological value and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Meanwhile, the blue roof system manages rainwater sustainably, with planters designed for passive attenuation and irrigation, reducing run-off into London’s drainage network.
Together, these systems create a resilient urban landscape that is both functional and beautiful.
Raaft Support Structures
A major enabler of these rooftop terraces was the relocation of rooftop plant and mechanical equipment into more efficient systems that use heat recovery and thermal storage. This freed up space for the terraces – but created a challenge.
The terrace level needed to be raised above the building’s service points, while still allowing easy access for ongoing maintenance. Here, Raaft’s Support Structure system of pedestals and joists provided the perfect solution.
- The modular system ensured:
- A stable, level platform across the roofscape, accommodating decking, tiling and planters.
- Removable surfaces, allowing straightforward access to underlying services.
- Even weight distribution, protecting the roof’s integrity and extending its lifespan.
Products supplied included Raaft Preventa® Fire-Rated Metal Pedestals and Raaft Preventa® Fire-Rated Aluminium Joists – each contributing to a safe, durable and adaptable terrace system.
A Roofscape That Delivers More Than Views
The completion of Millennium Bridge House at the end of 2024 marked more than a physical transformation. It is now a sustainable, wellbeing-focused workplace with public benefits that extend beyond its occupiers.
By combining retention of structure, ecological landscaping, and innovative support systems, the project has delivered:
- Greener spaces in the City of London.
- Public access to outstanding views and open space.
- Sustainable water management and biodiversity enhancements.
- A healthier, more engaging urban environment for all.
The Raaft Support Structure system played a crucial role in making this ambitious roofscape possible, demonstrating how modular, adaptable solutions can unlock design potential while supporting long-term sustainability.
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