Key takeaways
30
% reduction in energy usage
270
sq m increase in lettable space by using closed cavity façade
£386,000
saved by reducing the use of Black Forest hardwood by 888 m sq
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Increased lettable space by 270 m sq, enhancing value, functionality, and appeal for a diverse range of tenants.
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Reduced programme time for the installation of basement services from 24 weeks to just 8, highlight meticulous planning and vast execution.
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Awarded BREEAM Excellent rating for efforts toward sustainable practices and achieved Contract of the Year 2014 at the World Demolition Awards for an almost 100% recycle rate.
The W5 project at New Burlington Place showcases our expertise in creating sustainable buildings within complex sites. Our journey began with the installation of a retention system to stabilise the façades along Regent Street, a crucial step before demolition and excavation could commence to create the six-floor commercial and retail block with a two-storey basement.
Leveraging our experience from a similar project next door (W4), we elevated the build by retaining W5’s 18th-century façade overlooking Regent Street and cladding the others with a 21st-century, pressurised closed-cavity glazed façade—a first for a UK building. This innovative approach increased the lettable floor space by 270 m sq, enabling the building to secure the highest rental rates ever achieved in London’s West End.
The project significantly reduced the time for installing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) elements by combining BIM and prefabrication. Using BIM, we optimised the layout, ensuring all prefabricated components fit seamlessly together. This approach saved £386,000 by reducing the use of Black Forest hardwood by 888 sq m and achieved a 30% reduction in energy usage by using a pressurised closed-cavity glazed facade.
Throughout the project, we engaged closely with our client and local businesses, hosting 'lunch and learn' sessions and participating in the Open House ‘Green Sky Thinking’ event to showcase our sustainability efforts. These efforts culminated in achieving a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating.
The W5 project concluded with a prestigious accolade, winning Contract of the Year at the 2014 World Demolition Awards. Judges were impressed by our nearly 100% recycling rates, despite the challenges posed by the retained façade and the constrained site. This project stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation, enhancing one of the world’s busiest shopping districts.
