How to Make a Perfect Bow Out of Any Fabric!

In our experience, most of the issues with a laboratory design stem from the client laboratory equipment list.

To reduce operational carbon, we first explore any possibility of reusing buildings that already exist.‘build nothing’) as the main route to reducing embodied carbon.

Further, all our projects are based on ‘lean design’ with the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) where feasible (‘build less’).. Reusing buildings can produce a substantial saving in embodied carbon, but the quantum depends on the extent of the refurbishment.On the other hand, a reduced scope of refurbishment, which does not include a façade and HVAC systems upgrade, can mean that operational carbon emissions are high due to the inefficient performance of the building..Analysis of different refurbishment options: from retrofit to new construction.

The question is: which is the correct level of refurbishment to ensure that the embodied carbon benefit outweighs the reduced operational carbon performance?Light refurbishment, retaining as much of the building as possible?

Or a deeper retrofit, which retains only certain structural elements?.

Bryden Wood has carried out an operational and embodied carbon analysis on three different levels of intervention on an existing commercial building:.The initial challenges posed by the building’s proximity to the Westway and Grand Union canal, as well as the limited site space for construction, have birthed a space of both aesthetic and functional dynamic, equally capable of fulfilling its practical goal of providing creative office spaces to West London creative businesses..

According to O’Neill, the biggest challenge of the project was the building of phase 2 over the fully occupied, existing (phase 1) building.He says that whilst knowing the building would be in use by creative industries did give a sense of freedom regarding the design, ‘it was clear that the building needed to deliver value to ensure we created affordable workspaces.’ These, he notes, are still in shortage in West London.

‘It’s stylish yet affordable,’ he says of GWS, ‘and a perfect contrast to the generic, co-working businesses which have established themselves over the past five or so years.’ The ground floor studios are ideal for startups, whilst an upper-story, canal-side unit makes an excellent workspace for an office of 20 plus.. O’Neill loves the diverse collection of creatives and businesses the building has attracted and says he’s ‘glad it has provided GWS and its tenants with a safe, welcoming, happy environment which is conducive to hard, serious and creative business.’ From an architectural perspective, his favourite thing about the building is the gentle curve alongside the canal side elevation.‘Look again at sites/buildings that may not seem the best option,’ he urges developers who may be considering taking on similar projects.