The expansion, reconfiguration and refurbishment of the London headquarters of a global real estate company has created a workplace fit for the future with wellbeing for people and planet at its heart.
The 1990s office block re-work has attained BREEAM Excellent and WELL Platinum- being the UK’s largest fully fitted project to achieve the latter certification for the quality of air, water and light within a building.
The accreditations have been won in part through the building services devised by engineering consultants Troup Bywaters + Anders and delivered by MALA Engineering. DBA Air Solutions supplied Gilberts’ grilles and diffusers for use across the 10 floors of the 144,500 sq ft that form the workspace.
Throughout the spaces, Gilberts GSL linear slot diffusers, predominantly in four-slot configuration, have been installed in bulkheads to deliver fresh air, directing the airflow horizontally or vertically as required by each location. Gilberts’ GECA eggcrate grilles extract the used air.
Gilberts’ GSFE circular swirl diffusers provide fresh air and extract stale air through the exposed ceiling-mounted building services into the office areas. The high air change rates achieved by the GSFE’s are integral to maintaining the indoor air quality and to the attainment of the WELL Platinum categorisation.
Gilberts’ GHV double deflection grilles complement the air distribution, providing both supply and extraction.
Commented Martin Ingram, Associate Partner @ Troup Bywaters + Anders:
“The over-arching aim was to create an inspiring and energising workplace for the future whilst leaving the smallest environmental footprint possible. A double-height entrance and central stairwell rising the full height of the building alongside open plan work and breakout spaces presented challenges in designing airpaths and ventilation levels. I knew Gilberts will always support with technical expertise, work with you to achieve the best end result, and the products are good. I was therefore confident to specify them on such a prestigious project.”
The refubishment is the latest in Gilberts’ portfolio of office environments, including hybrid ventilation for BREEAM Excellent-rated Oceansgate in Plymouth, smoke dampers for Fletton Quays Peterborough, diffusers for Birmingham’s 103 Colmore Row and Liverpool’s Merseyside Police HQ, and plant louvres at the former site of Saga Records The Gramophone Works.
That portfolio validates Gilberts’ position as the UK’s leading independent air movement specialist, demonstrating its diversity of advanced technology that enhances the design, installation, energy efficiency and occupier comfort of non- domestic buildings.
Founded 60 years ago and still family-owned and directed, Gilberts Blackpool is unique in its ability to develop components, be it ‘mainstream’ or bespoke- entirely in-house, from initial design through tooling, production, testing and supply. Its state of the art test centre, designed and built in-house, is one of the most technically advanced in the country.
All Gilberts’ products – standard lines and bespoke solutions – are designed, developed, manufactured and tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 quality standard in the company’s state of the art 140,000 ft² facility in Blackpool.