Working alongside MICA Architects, our team provided building services, acoustics and environmental services on this challenging scheme.

Sustainability was at the heart of this project right from the outset and a key part of the client brief and aspirations. We defined the energy strategy for the improvement of the thermal efficiency of the retained existing front and rear façades of No.21, whilst guiding the performance of the façade specification of No.19 which was replaced in its entirety with a modern energy efficient envelope. The drive to cut carbon emissions did not just stop there.

Our engineers designed an efficient air source heat pump solution for the scheme. Acting as a renewable energy source, this system includes an energy recovery capability so that heat taken from areas being cooled can be used for heating elsewhere.

We used the latest low energy LED lighting technology achieving a 50% reduction in power consumption compared to BCO benchmarks. The building’s exceptional performance is reflected in its EPC B and BREEAM Excellent ratings.

The rear of the building had an existing four-storey brick addition which was removed and replaced with a new six-storey extension. The core was reconfigured to make way for a new stair and lifts, rationalising the office space and maximising net lettable area. Retaining the existing structural frame placed certain constraints on the design and we worked closely with the architect to carefully coordinate the services strategy to maximise the floor-to-ceiling height. The presence of Chancery Lane tube station elevators below the front of the building add to the site complications.

The MEP systems were carefully integrated into the architectural design to limit impact on facades and planning ‘corridor view’ and we kept the overall roof plant size to a minimum so as not to be visible externally.

Mark Terndrup, Director of Waterman Building Services, commented; “We’re really pleased to see this exceptional scheme complete. We have rejuvenated an existing building to a high sustainability standard which will last for generations to come.”

John Fox of Gray’s Inn commented; “We are delighted with the quality Grade A office space that this project has produced and the much improved building layout that has been provided from what was a tired 1960’s part listed building at the main entrance to the Inn.”

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Forming part of the Post Building, formerly a Royal Mail sorting office, the fit-out for McKinsey & Company’s offices across the upper half of the building was completed in summer 2019 and comprises 126,000 sq ft of premium LEED-Gold standard space. Designed by architect Morey Smith, this stunning fit out is based around three core principles: encouraging greater collaboration with clients by providing space for co-working and collaborative events, smart use of technology to allow seamless secure virtual collaboration, and employee wellbeing to facilitate both creativity and peak performance.

Based around a series of agile ‘neighbourhoods’, office spaces are lit by natural light with supplementary circadian lighting. Staff enjoy an enviable range of amenities, including a gym, mothers’ room and relaxation rooms, together with wrap-around terraces offering panoramic views of the city.

Waterman’s specialists provided the structural design for the fit out, incorporating several highly aesthetic features including a unique feature ‘zig-zag’ staircase linking McKinsey & Company’s main floors with their client meeting floor. Our involvement with the Post Building also extends to its lower half, where we undertook the fit out of Nationwide Building Society’s new digital and technology innovation centre and we are currently preparing the design for one of the ground floor retail units.

For more information about the BCO awards and to view a full list of the regional winners, click here.

The post BCO London Award: The Post Building first appeared on Waterman.

Our building services team provided the design of the MEP fit-out which continues a successful ongoing relationship with turnkey commercial property services providers, Expedite. The space was delivered for Sparta Global, a leading provider of IT Resources and specialist, Software Testing Solutions Finance, Media, Retail, Public Sector, Gaming and Telco organisations.

The exciting fit-out provided a wow factor for staff and was designed to attract the best talent. The space provides flexibility for a variety of functions that meets the client’s aspirations for a new environment that is current, relevant, informal and professional. The scheme turned a very conventional office space into a workplace that is not only visually stimulating, but also improves wellness and encourages collaboration.

Client: Sparta Global / Expedite
Architect: Expedite

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Working closely with the project team led by Turner & Townsend, we designed the building services and acoustics for this vibrant fit-out which has provided a cutting-edge workspace. Global design firm, Unispace’s design created a community feel focused on improving collaboration, whilst promoting agile working.

Supported by a range of work settings including private meeting, call and video booths, sit and stand desks and informational meeting spaces, ‘usable’ technology is at the forefront of the scheme. Video conferencing facilities and telepresence suites have been installed alongside SMART meeting room and desk booking systems.

With an ambitious sustainability agenda, the design features demand-based controls for the multi-purpose meeting room suite. These control fresh air rates to match occupancy levels and work alongside energy efficient occupancy and daylight-sensing LED lighting throughout to reduce energy consumption.

The fit-out to floors six and seven included sprinkler alterations, lighting and power alterations, feature lighting, UPS and new air conditioning to Comms Room, new and relocated FCU’s, BMS Controls and new catering kitchen, along with WC and shower area services.

Elsewhere, our acoustics experts worked alongside the MEP team to design the acoustically sensitive board room space with its stringent AV requirements.

Working in conjunction with main contractor, Paragon Interserve, this project is noted for its successful delivery of a short 14-week programme, inclusive of design development.

Client: Rolls-Royce
Architect: Unispace

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