Working in close collaboration with the project team including main contractor Mace, project managers Third London Wall, and cost consultants Arcadis, Waterman’s team provided multidisciplinary consultancy services for Edenica. This saw our specialists deliver sustainability, building services, structural engineering, and environmental input, and the scheme was also a pilot project for the first-ever standardised approach to Materials Passports, developed by Circuland and Waterman’s sustainability team.

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Due to extensive archaeological features and a high water table, the site required a carefully designed and managed piled foundation solution. To deliver this, a complex de-watering regime was developed and implemented during the basement excavation to avoid the ground water becoming contaminated by the excavation of the made ground.

Our electrical design brings together cutting-edge technology and functionality. A high-tech LED lighting scheme runs throughout the entire building, blending functional, decorative, and emergency lighting. These systems are controlled via DALI protocols and local presence detection, ensuring energy efficiency without compromising user experience. There is full access control coverage throughout the premises with CCTV both internally and externally adding additional security.

Heating and hot water are primarily delivered by two roof-mounted Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), which feed into dedicated buffer vessels. The low-carbon solution handles the majority of the building’s thermal load and when required gas fired boilers and water heaters can supplement the heating and hot water systems. Each bedroom is equipped with individual humidity fans and heating controls, allowing tenants to tailor their environments personally. Communal areas benefit from a roof-mounted Air Handling Unit (AHU) supported by DX refrigerant condensers, providing both heating and cooling.

A focus on sustainability

Sustainability is a core principle for the regeneration of the whole Liberties area, which aims to make the neighbourhood a greener place for all. As a result, the Liberties House scheme embedded sustainability principles from the outset to ensure low impact living for residents.

Brought to life by TateHindle’s architectural design, FOLIO will deliver a variety of exceptional modern work and amenity spaces across eight storeys and a basement level. Almost all the existing structure is retained, while a rooftop extension will be added. Externally, a new Wilson Street façade sits alongside the existing Portland Stone frontage.

Situated at a key location between Barbican, the City and Shoreditch, FOLIO offers 52,500 sq ft office space across seven flexible floorplates, with extensive views across Finsbury Square available at each level. Tenants will also benefit from access to a club room and communal rooftop terrace. At street level, building users will access FOLIO through a striking ground floor entrance lobby which is also home to a library lounge space. In addition, extensive bike storage, changing and shower facilities are incorporated within the basement level.

Tasked with unlocking the potential of the existing building, our structures specialists undertook deep analysis of the existing frame, enabling the vast majority to be retained. Our design solution for the internal spaces focused on maximising available space for clear, column-free office floors, whilst also increasing available amenity space and accommodating the four new roof terraces. At the top floor level extension, the exposed concrete and steel structure punctuates the space. The fully exposed precast concrete soffits are clean and uncluttered, facilitated by a new underfloor air ventilation system and perimeter trench heating and cooling solution. This can provide free cooling for up to 85% of the year and provides a simple and adaptable low embodied carbon solution for the additional floor.

Our all-electric building services strategy features a Hybrid VRF heating and cooling system with low GWP R32 refrigerant connected to branch controllers that provide flexible, water based on floor heating and cooling circuits feeding fan coil units. Through the use of carefully designed raft ceilings, the office spaces will feature a striking balance of semi-exposed services and structure. In a further boost to efficiency, building controls will utilise Synapsis and Demand Logic platforms to map energy consumption and quickly identify equipment faults or inefficiencies. This real-time analysis ensures equipment operates as designed throughout its entire lifecycle, helping to close the performance gap between design and reality.

FOLIO is expected to reach completion in summer 2027.

The development achieved compliance with the NHS Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (NZCBS); a landmark accomplishment that sets a precedent across NHS England. This is the first building within NHS England to meet the rigorous sustainability stipulations outlined in their NZCBS, underscoring the Trust’s commitment to environmental responsibility and future-focused healthcare infrastructure. Delivered by Integrated Health Projects (IHP), a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, and designed by AHR Architects, the Women & Children’s Building scheme achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, reflecting a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Working in close collaboration with the project team, Waterman’s building services specialists provided the mechanical and electrical design for the new building through the P23 procurement route, and were instrumental in supporting the drive to achieve NZCBS status.

To further minimise environmental impact, a 400 sqm photovoltaic array contributes to a reduced carbon footprint and supports the hospital’s long-term sustainability goals. The building is fully mechanically ventilated to maintain optimum air quality and comfort, while a comprehensive Building Management System (BMS) enables intelligent monitoring and control of all environmental systems. Together, these elements reflect a strong commitment to sustainability, operational reliability, and modern healthcare standards.

The NZC Building Standard forms a key part of the NHS’s broader ambition to become the world’s first Net Zero national health service. By meeting this standard, the Countess of Chester Hospital’s new facility demonstrates how modern healthcare buildings can be both high-performing and environmentally conscious.