Sustainability
Norton Rose Fulbright Tower: Strengthening urban life through integrated planning
Norton Rose Fulbright Tower illustrates how a single office development can strengthen urban life when integrated with public space, walkability and long-term district planning. Located next to Discovery Green in Downtown Houston, the project delivers a high-performance workplace while helping catalyze a new, connected mixed-use district.
The site began as a surface parking lot, the last remaining undeveloped parcel on Discovery Green, Houston’s 12-acre premier urban park. Despite its prime location, the site lacked activation and connectivity with the surrounding mixed-use neighborhood. Early collaboration with BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) and community stakeholders helped shape a long-term master plan for Discovery West, a new walkable mixed-use district, and strengthen the connection between Downtown Houston and Discovery Green.
Building on a zero-lot-line site required precise coordination and innovative solutions, including designing the building as a stepped structure that maximizes daylight, creates park-facing terraces and supports flexible interior layouts.
Early collaboration with lead tenant Norton Rose Fulbright helped align the design with post-pandemic workplace needs. The headquarters integrates abundant daylight, advanced indoor air quality systems, outdoor terraces inspired by Texas landscapes, and amenities that support employee well-being and connection to everyday urban life.
The building’s landscaped gardens inspired by Texas ecosystems support well-being, informal collaboration and social connection. Abundant daylight, a fully glazed lobby, and a side-core layout improve comfort and safety, while optional enhanced indoor air quality—including increased fresh air and advanced filtration—supports occupant health. Active ground-floor retail, strong bike and pedestrian connections, and shared amenities further integrate the workplace into everyday urban life.
Operational and embodied carbon reduction strategies were integrated throughout the project to support environmental performance, resilience and long-term value. The building is certified LEED® Platinum v4, WELL Platinum and WiredScore Platinum, is pursuing Fitwel Three Star, and consumes 21 percent less energy than comparable office buildings.
District cooling, demand-controlled ventilation, regenerative elevators and a rainwater collection system reduce environmental impact and strengthen resilience during dry periods. The use of the EC3 Tool during construction helped achieve a 45 percent reduction in embodied carbon for key materials such as concrete, rebar and steel.
High sustainability performance, distinctive design and strong placemaking enhance long-term market appeal, supported by flexible planning that allows efficient tenant fit-outs and future adaptability while contributing to the vitality of Downtown Houston.
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