How do you redevelop a 1970s building and be compliant with the London Plan?
Design.
Background
Located in the prestigious, leafy Soho Square that has long been a magnet for creative design and philanthropic occupants over many years, the corner plot 1970s building was to be redeveloped to become high-end office accommodation with retail space being offered at the ground level.
The Brief
Offer something a bit different to the London office market while meeting the onerous energy efficiency requirements of the London Plan.
Challenges
The challenges to overcome included:
- Onerous fire safety requirements due to a single core staircase
- Limited riser capacity
- Low floor to ceiling height
- Numerous planning restrictions
- Surrounding residential property
- Minimising carbon dioxide emissions as part of the London Plan
- BREEAM target of Excellent for marketing purposes.
Process
By running simulations through dynamic thermal modelling and many SBEM calculations, we were able to identify solutions to meet the brief, both in terms of aesthetics and performance requirements.
The London Plan demanded energy efficiency, which was significantly more onerous, in terms of the conservation of fuel and power, than stringent Building Regulations.
We also took the necessary steps to minimise noise and light pollution during the project for the current, nearby residents.
Outcome
Through an iterative design process and excellent dynamics with the design team, we were able to make the building plans work and gain planning permission, even against stringent controls. Â We were able to achieve this by applying low or zero carbon technologies (LZCs) in the form of combined heat and power (CHP) plant and photovoltaics.
The design also featured a living green wall running the full height of the open atria – which required close controlled irrigation and specialist lighting.  The internal space became a triumph of overt services design – maximising the available floor to ceiling height.
