A top down approach to low carbon refurbishment and building sustainable cities is nearing completion
70 Wilson, is located a short walk from Silicon Roundabout in City of London EC2. The project transforms an ageing 1980s London office block formerly known as Summit House and Grade II listed Georgian building into dynamic, efficient and flexible office accommodation fit for today’s Technology, Media & Telecoms (TMT) occupiers. Designed by AStudio and commissioned by Low Carbon Workplace, Colour were instructed by in 2015 by Willmott Dixon to develop designs for the living roof scape.
The low carbon redevelopment, which is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, will also completely reinvent the roof scape of the plot by featuring extensive green roof systems across the several roof levels. A particular challenge for Colour and the AStudio team was to find creative and ecologically responsive way to design habitats that respond to orientations, prevailing wind, exposure and drought conditions.
These are designed to provide essential habitats for local wildlife such as birds, bees, insects, butterflies and moths. We have taken great care in selecting the right plants to provide the best environment for a thriving ecosystem. The living roofs include a variety of substrate depths and type, a variety of hardy succulents such as sedums and wild flower species such as grasses, herbaceous perennials and annuals, providing a boost in nectar bearing species in line with the National Pollinator Strategy.
Two further accessible terraces at levels 5 and 6 works in conjunction with the wildlife friendly living roofs and will create attractive terrace environments for the new building occupiers.
Jon Eachus, Development Director of Colour said “It is estimated 32% of the land area in Central London are roofs that could be greened, by working with Clients and partners our in-house technical expertise and creativity allows us to design innovative schemes from extensive roofs through to complex intensive roofs. Whether on podium or on higher floors, our schemes are designed with ecology in mind promoting the use of native plants to meet specific local environmental targets.”
Summit House is being redeveloped under the Low Carbon Workplace Partnership, which is committed to developing and managing high quality offices that are low carbon in use.
Low Carbon Workplace is a unique partnership between the Carbon Trust, developer Stanhope and fund manager Threadneedle Investments, to design, build and manage bespoke and contemporary offices for organisations committed to eco-friendly operation.
Colour are excited to be part of this project and when complete in August 2016 it’s expected to attract a host of Tech companies given its proximity Old Street’s Silicon Roundabout, home to many of the world’s leading start-up companies for developing new technology.
Stanhope // @thecarbontrust // @WillmottDixon // @AstudioArch
above: level 5 accessible roof deck being prepared prior to planter installation
