The Challenge
We and the design team looked at how flexibility for tenants could be maximised and material use could be minimised, warehouse type internal volumes created and servicing of the building re-invented. This leaner, greener approach to office space targeted a 25% reduction of energy in use. This was achieved by reducing the reliance of mechanical cooling equipment and incorporating fundamental building features such as exposed concrete, large volume spaces and opening windows.
The volume, mass and height of the main tower all proved to be difficult to agree with the planning authority and required detailed interaction with LBI, CABE and the GLA. Agreement of the standard of energy efficiency for the buildings was also a challenge particularly on the retained and refurbished buildings. The proximity of Network Rail and LUL assets made the successful execution of the substructure works critical to the project programme.
The Outcome
The process took 9 years from initial idea to completion, and included a £1m mock up to test the proposal, design and servicing strategy. Anything deemed unnecessary was stripped away; the structure was used as the finish and the thermal mass of the buildings concrete structure used to absorb heat and reduce cooling load. Natural ventilation also enabled the building to adapt to future uses and likely future climate.
Once the project was completed Jackson Coles successfully undertook the complex tenant liaison role.
White Collar Factory was the first project in the UK to secure Wired Certified Platinum status. The building has received 8 awards from BCO, RIBA, Civic Trust, MIPIM UK and the NLA for its design, innovation, vision and promotion of wellbeing.
In 2023, White Collar Factory won the BCO “Test of Time” for continuing to be a beacon of innovation and an exemplar standard for the future workplace today.