sustainable development

sustainable development

The Frames, Shoreditch

In 2018, we launched a new business centre in Shoreditch, The Frames, on the site of an old asset that Workspace had owned for more than 20 years. The Frames benefits from natural light and natural ventilation as well as clever design to encourage movement around the building and a combination of open space and private offices for both collaboration and concentration, promoting health and wellbeing. The property is designed to BREEAM Excellent rating, the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure and buildings. "BREEAM drives more sustainability in buildings," says Anna MacKenzie, a Senior Sustainability Engineer at Etude, a consultancy team which has worked for the Greater London Authority as well as on The Frames development. "It's widely recognised and required by many local authorities. It gives designers and product teams a framework in which they can design the buildings."


Transport

Cycle facilities exceed well over the BREEAM requirements, with 64 secure indoor cycle spaces (BREEAM required 27), 63 lockers, 10 showers and changing facilities.

Travel Plan developed to encourage sustainable travel through information, facilities and incentives.

Highest possible rating on Transport for London's Public Transport Accessibility Level (6b) 

Land Use and Ecology

100% of the land was previously developed and covered by a building and associated hardstanding. 

The land was cleaned and remediated from the contaminants asbestos and lead prior to construction, thereby safely removing them from the environment. 

The ecological value of the site was improved - previously there were no features of ecological value on the site. Now, post-development, there is a 340m2 green roof which includes 64 different species of plant. 

Health and Wellbeing

The Frames benefits from natural light and natural ventilation as well as clever design to encourage movement around the building. It’s a great advertisement for the idea that design, and clever combinations of open space and private offices for both collaboration and concentration, can promote health and wellbeing. For example, the urban airy composition of the staircase makes walking up more appealing for those usually tempted by the lift.

The kitchenettes on each floor are provided with filtered, chilled water for building occupants. 

Excellent acoustic performance has been achieved internally, contributing to a pleasant working environment. 

Energy

Phipp Street has been designed to be energy efficient, resulting in a predicted 25% reduction in regulated CO2 emissions. Energy efficiency measures include:

  • Well insulated building fabric and windows
  • Energy efficient LED internal and lighting
  • Energy efficient boilers
  • Efficient heating and cooling system. 
  • Energy efficient lift system.

A solar photovoltaic system on the roof further reduces the building’s regulated CO2 emissions by around 10%.

Water

Water efficient WCs are provided, including low-flush toilets and waterless urinals, and low flow but effective taps and showers.

The green roof has been designed so as not to need irrigation. 

Each WC area is only supplied with water when people are using the area - if no-one is there, the water supply automatically switches off, thereby meaning lost water from any un-noticed leaks or running taps is minimised. 

Materials 

A good proportion of the materials used in the building were sourced from suppliers who are committed to responsible sourcing of materials and operate environmental management systems.

Materials were selected for their robustness and longevity. 

For more information about The Frames refurbishment, watch the video here.

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