Thirty High (formerly Portland House) is an existing office block in the heart of Victoria.

Thirty High (formerly Portland House) is an existing 1960s Brutalist office block located in Victoria, whose design mirrors the MetLife Building in New York. From the outset, in recognition of best practice, the Team sought to retain as much of the existing structure as possible. The works, which are under construction, combine a façade treatment to revitalise the characteristic pre-cast concrete façade, the replacement of 1,800 windows with high-performance double glazing to improve thermal performance, the creation of a two-storey ground floor extension to deliver an enhanced entrance sequence and placeshaping, the internal refurbishment of the office floorplates, and the creation of a restaurant bar within the reconstructed crown level. To optimise the crown level, whilst respecting the design concept of the original building, every other non-structural pier will be removed to enable visitors to benefit from the building’s panoramic views. By retaining major elements of the original structure, including the concrete façade, Thirty High achieves a significant 60% reduction in embodied carbon compared to a standard new build. With a targeted embodied carbon level under 400 kgCO2/m2 at Stage 4—meeting LETI B standards for modules A1-A5—the scheme balances the retention of existing material with the requirements of Grade A office occupiers. The scheme is anticipated to achieve a 20% reduction in regulated energy use compared to existing in addition to achieving a NABERS 5.0-star rating. The building’s flexible floorplates, the bookable meeting rooms, short-term project spaces, and multifunctional event spaces deliver people-centric workspaces adapted to changing user demands.

Oliver Knight, Head of Workplace at Landsec said: “Reimagining Victoria’s landmark tower, Thirty High, will deliver an unmatched combination of panoramic views, first-class amenities and exceptional service. The choice of small short-term flexible offices and meeting spaces through to multiple floor long term leases means that every working style is supported."