Waugh Thistleton’s Green House achieves an exemplary 50 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions
The Green House project in Bethnal Green, east London, has been designed by Waugh Thistleton Architects to halve carbon dioxide emissions in use from a notional benchmark of 91.7 to just 45.8 tonnes per year. Owned and managed by The Ethical Property Company, both client and architect set out to push the boundaries of sustainable office design creating a biophilic development that substantially improves energy efficiency in both construction and in use.
The six-storey commercial property is a retrofit of a derelict 1960s office block with a modern and flexible workspace for up to 50 social change organisations. The state-of-the-art office building reuses the existing structural concrete frame and adds prefabricated CLT extensions. The frame was maintained to minimise waste, pollution and reduce carbon emissions that occur through demolition. A new six-storey rear extension and atrium was added to the back to create 7000 square metres of office space. Further office space, with views over the city, is provided in a new single-storey rooftop extension, also built from CLT and glulam.
A new dynamic glazed wall was added to the west facade facing Cambridge Heath Road, providing passive regulation of noise, heat, sunlight and ventilation. The windows are set back from the facade to optimise solar shading and acoustic protection. Photovoltaic rooftop panels help offset energy consumption and wildflower green roofs are located at second and sixth floors levels to encourage biodiversity. A large south-facing communal terrace on the fourth floor provides outdoor space for informal meetings and relaxation, and more than 80 bicycle parking spaces are provided.
Inside, a full-height atrium opens up the lobby space at ground floor and provides natural light and sky views from each floor’s circulation space, while acting as a place for impromptu conversation. The central exposed CLT cantilevered staircase forms a pivotal connection between the existing concrete building and the timber extension. This innovative design was made possible using resin-bonded steel rods placed within the treads, with half-landings suspended from a steel tension system. Open-plan kitchens are intended to encourage collaboration. Use of recycled carpet tiles, low-energy lighting and water-saving technologies contribute to reduction in VOCs, electricity and water consumption.
“Our commitment to championing environmentally-friendly building practices is perfectly aligned with Ethical Property’s own longstanding approach to sustainability”, says Andrew Waugh of Waugh Thistleton Architects. “Creating workplaces out of CLT offers huge benefits both to the client, in terms of the cost and efficiency of the programme, and also the end users in terms of a warm and comfortable work environment.”
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